THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


GIFT  OF 


COMMODORE  BYRON  MCCANDLESS 


SIEGE    OF    NEWPORT. 


SIEGE  OF  NEWPORT. 


BY 


THOMAS   C.  AMORY, 

AUTHOR  OF  "LIFE  OF  GENERAL  JOHN  SULLIVAN," 
"GOVERNOR  JAMES  SULLIVAN,"  ETC. 


CAMBRIDGE  : 
JOHN     WILSON     AND     SON. 


1888. 


Copyright,  18SS, 
BY  THOMAS  C.  AMORY. 


CONTENTS. 


CANTO  PAGE 

INTRODUCTION i 

I.     LANDING 17 

II.     SEA  FIGHT 28 

III.  THE  MARCH 46 

IV.  THE  SIEGE 58 

V.     THE  BATTLE 74 

VI.    IROQUOIS       105 

VII.     SAVANNAH 112 

VIII.     SURRENDER 146 

CENTENNIAL 153 


970100 


SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 


INTRODUCTION. 

OHOULD  he  who  reads  these  unpretending  lines 
Inquire  why  venture  on  so  bold  a  theme,  — 
Ours  but  to  follow;   Providence  designs 
We  tread  the  paths,  the  paths  of  duty  seem. 
If  circumstance  beyond  our  own  control 
Guide,  shape  resistlessly  our  aims  and  ends, 
But  weak  the  faith,  if  our  poor  human  soul 
Upon  its   own  unaided  strength  depends. 
From  early  youth  my  vernal  seasons  spent 
Amidst  the  enchantments  of  this  lovely  land, 
To  whom  the  siege  a  deeper  interest  lent 
From  that  near  kinsman  under  whose  command 
In  freedom's  cause  the  dauntless  patriots  fought, 
And  justly  claimed  the  well  contested  field : 
That  victory  with  consequences  fraught 
Forced  foreign  rule  our  independence  yield. 


2  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Besides,  the  winged  words  are  now  my  own 
That  flew  from  ship  to  shore  that  bloody  day; 
Till,  every  doubt  to  firm  conviction  grown, 
I  heard  a  voice  I  dared  not  disobey. 
Moreover,  conscious  often  prejudice 
Poisons  the  mind  too  eager  to  defame, 
Those  nobler  planned  will  deem  it  not  amiss 
If  shown  how  undeserved  reproach  or  blame; 
Or  if  familiar  its  historic  ground, 
The  memories  with  which  these  scenes  aglow 
In  simple  truths  so  much  for  feeling  found, 
In  rhythmic  measures  should  the  story  flow. 


That   August  day,  how  long  remembered  well, 
With  generous  Randolph  round  this  winsome  isle 
We  rolled  delighted  over  field  and  fell 
Along  its  graceful  shores  for  many  a  mile; 
The  azure  sky  in  lofty  arches  bent, 
The  wide-spread  seas  with  golden  lustre  smiled; 
A  summer  haze  its  soft  enchantment  lent, 
As  genial  converse  swift-winged  hours  beguiled. 
Off  from  Fort  Adams  pealed  the  morning  gun 
As  for  our  quest  we  rose  refreshed  and  strong, 
Yet  near  its  couch  still  beamed  the  morning  sun, 
As  tireless  dashed  our  lusty  steed  along. 


INTRODUCTION:  3 

The  billowy  breakers  thud  upon  the  beach, 
Then  up  the  slopes  their  swelling  waters  sweep, 
Till  crest  with  foam  the  splashing  fetlocks  reach, 
And  back  the  pebbles  wash  in  cadenced  song. 
Their  swift  pursuers,  gathering  in  the  deep, 
In  order  due  speed  on  the  hopeless  chase, 
Join  in  the  yeasty  tumult  of  the  shore, 
Glide  up  and  mingle  with  the  refluent  tide; 
Then,  vigor  spent,  their  downward  steps  retrace, 
Roll  slowly  back  and  in  the  ocean  hide, 
Whose  healthy  pulses  beat  for  evermore. 

Beyond  the  surf  the  early  bathers  swim, 
Cool  off  their  fevered  brows,  forget  their  care, 
In  vigorous  sport  throw  out  the  frolic  limb, 
Dive   through   the  toppling   waves,  their  turmoil 

share ; 

And  maidens  fair  and  gallant  knights  dash  by, 
Their  flashing  hoofs  keep  time  with  even  tread 
To  jocund  voice  as  merrily  they  fly, 
The  splashing  drops  their  pearly  moisture  shed, 
As  on  they  speed  between  the  waves  and  sky. 

Steeped  in  the  early  beams,  the  swelling  sides 
Of  Honeyman  look  down  upon  the  sea, 
On  many  a  white-winged  craft  in  silence  glides, 
Its  special  mission  wrapt  in  mystery ; 


4  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

On  sumptuous  palaces  that  line  the  cove, 

Whose  terraced  lawns  creep  down  the  crumbled 

rock, 

Whose  gardens  trim  and  many  a  clustered  grove 
In  kind  embrace  this  bay  of  beauty  lock. 

Fording  the  stream  that  flows  from  Laundry  brook, 
Ploughing    the    sands    enclose    this    world-known 

beach, 

Climbing  the  heights,  from  off  its  crest  we  look 
On  summer  sheen  far  as  the  eye  can  reach ; 
The  sun-steeped  cliffs,  the  fretted  sea  between, 
Yon  ancient  mansion  in  its  quiet  nook, 
The  shattered  elms  that  wrap  its  roof  in  green, 
Its  spacious  barns  whole  flocks  and  herds  might 

hold, 

The  veils  of  mist  their  phantom  forms  enfold, 
Entrance  whoever  gazes  on  the  scene. 

Bound  by  its  spell  we  lingered  till  our  quest 
Regained  its  strength  to  speed  us  on  our  way; 
Then  down  the  steep  incline  to  Sachuest, 
Scanning  the  marvels  of  its  spreading  bay,  — 
Where  Purgatory's  darkened  caves  proclaim 
Woe  to  the  tempted  on  its  slippery  brink, 
Who,  heeding  not  the  sorrow  or  the  shame, 


I  A  'TR  ODUC  77CW. 

What  is  most  pleasant,  not  most  wise,  prefer ; 

What  briny  waters  must  be  theirs  to  drink 

Before  regained  the  regions  of  the  blest ! 

That  Paradise  which  near  gave  welcome  rest 

To  Berkeley,  the  minute  philosopher 

Who  every  virtue  under  heaven  possessed. 

His  life  exemplified  the  faith  and  love 

Which  as  a  bishop  of  his  Church  he  taught, 

Yet  who  denied  to  man  the  power  to  prove 

Matter  existing  but  in  human  thought. 

He  helped  the  course  of  empire  wandering  west, 

Endowed  a  college  with  his  fertile  lands : 

Lo,  where  his  home  dilapidated  stands. 

He  often  left  this  Paradise  to  roam, 

And  where  the  hanging  rocks  approach  the  sea, 

Feasting  his  sight  upon  the  sparkling  foam, 

His  inward  eye,  absorbed  in  revery, 

Undazed  by  light,  went  ranging  bold  and  free 

Through  all  the  mazes  of  philosophy. 

Near  where  thus  Berkeley  wove  his  tangled  skein, 

Crowds  clustered  on  the  beach  our  course  delay; 

For,  as  in  Holy  Writ,  the  fisher's  seine 

Draw  finny  myriads  from  their  sportive  play,  — 

The  mass,  menhaden,  to  enrich  the  soil, 

The  few,  more  precious,  to  refresh  their  toil. 


6  SIEGE  OF  NEWPORT. 

Perchance  in  yonder  lichen-mantled  barn, 
Its  hoary  sides  by  blasts  from  ocean  worn, 
Some  ancient  crone  still  spins  her  daily  yarn, 
The  muzzled  ox  still  treadeth  out  the  corn, 
The  fresh-made  ricks  hid  in  sequestered  nooks, 
Await  their  turn  for  fickle  winds  to  grind ; 
These  simple  souls,  though  not  unversed  in  books, 
In  their  sires'  footsteps  their  best  wisdom  find. 

Had  we  no  sacred  graal  for  our  quest, 

What  joy  with  skies  like  these  our  paths  to  leave, 

'Mid  hedges  wild  and  rustling  branches  rest, 

Happy  in  Nature  that  cannot  deceive ; 

Visit  these  old  abodes  now  gray  with  age,  — 

Perhaps  were  old  when  Berkeley  roved  about, 

Crossing  their  thresholds  as  a  priest  or  sage, 

To  cure  infirmity  or  settle  doubt; 

These  homes  transmitted  down  from  sire  to  son 

May  harvest  legends  of  their  modest  fate, 

Of  those  whose  thread  of  life  was  deftly  spun, 

Better  worth  while  than  theirs  the  world  calls  great. 

With  quickened  pace  by  Sachuest  point  we  speed, 
Where  fashion's  votaries  gathered  for  the  race, 
And  merry  crowds  flock  there  on  foot  and  steed, — 
Gentle  and  simple  find  a  welcome  place. 


INTRODUCTION. 

Few  scenes  more  brilliant  has  the  past  to  tell, 
Than  when,  collected  on  its  ample  ground, 
The  sunny  surges  round  us  heave  and  swell, 
Against  its  rocky  battlements  resound ; 
Now  from  the  happy  throngs  around  the  lists 
The  merry  voices  make  the  welkin  ring, 
As  the  last  horse  with  measured  stride  persists, 
And  wins  the  race  with  one  impassioned  spring. 
And  as  the  distant  hills  in  queenly  grace 
Purple  beneath  the  sun's  declining  beams, 
The  frolic  mass  their  hurried  course  retrace, 
The  crescent  moon  above  the  sunset  gleams. 

Seconnet's  beach  that  opens  on  its  bay, 

With  dreams  of  times  long  vanished,  we  explore ; 

Now  in  the  tangled  paths  pursue  our  way 

To  where  the  learned  Angell  lives  no  more. 

Long  to  his  dull  career  no  glory  came ; 

He  read  and  pondered  o'er  his  musty  books, 

Till  works  more  widely  treasured  gild  his  name, 

Give  law  to  tidal  waters  and  to  brooks. 

There,  afterwards,  the  gifted  Arnold  dwelt, 

Wrote  the  proud  story  of  his  native  State ; 

Whose  noble  soul  a  generous  ardor  felt 

For  all  the  just  and  true,  the  wise  and  great. 


8  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Along  Seconnet  by  the  Indian  road, 

Perhaps  the  same  Canonicus  pursued, 

Which  with  his  royal  following  he  trode 

Before  the  white  men  on  his  realms  intrude ; 

By  Fogland  ferry,  Compton,  grim  and  trist, 

Crossed  to  reach  the  Island  of  the  Mist 

By  Barstow's  hall,  embosomed  in  the  trees 

Of  his  own  planting,  various  and  rare, 

Whom  all  this  lovely  Eden  failed  to  please 

When  winter  came  and  he  was  lonely  there ; 

By  grand  Vaucluse  with  all  its  mystic  lore, 

Gardens  and  groves  and  lawns  that  reach  the  shore. 

But  we  press  on,  for  not  for  me  to  tell 

Of  those  created  and  in  bliss  possessed. 

Yet  saddened  memory  may  one  moment  dwell 

Upon  that  noble  pair  among  the  blest, 

Whose  beauty,  culture,  taste  found  here  a  name, 

With  all  to  make  an  earthly  paradise ; 

Yet  all  too  soon  the  fatal  summons  came, 

Released  her  spirit  to  its  kindred  skies : 

His  anguished  soul  found  solace  in  his  faith, 

And  other  ties  insured  a  happier  life ; 

Yet  these  enchanting  grounds  still  haunt  the  wraith 

Of  all  was  loveliest  in  the  child  or  wife. 

Long  since  this  shrine  of  checkered  memories 

Passed  on  to  one  whose  race,  though  multiplied 


IN  TROD  UC  TION. 

In  all  its  branches,  has  the  power  to  please ; 
Esteemed,  beloved,  without  one  taint  of  pride. 
'T  is  said  that  many  a  phantom  hovers  still 
About  its  chambers,  yet  inspire  no  dread, 
Whose  cheerful  creed  persuades  all  may  that  will 
Have  ghostly  converse  with  the  loved  and  dead. 

Still  farther  on  a  spacious  mansion  stands ; 
Its  form  and  tints  suggest  provincial  days, 
When  the  rich  few  monopolized  these  lands 
And  spent  their  substance  in  baronial  ways. 
For  those  who  best  enjoy  this  fair  domain 
Flows  in  their  veins  blood  for  a  noble  pride ; 
The  glorious  Emmett,  who,  without  a  stain, 
To  free  his  country  for  his  country  died. 

The  eastern  road  leads  onward  to  the  gates 
To  Crundell's  mills,  best  as  Glenanna  known,  — 
For  her  whose  youthful  loveliness  the  fates 
To  all  that  makes  true  womanhood  has  grown. 
This  tangled  glen  for  generations  yields 
The  choicest  pleasure  to  all  Nature  love ; 
Not  in  its  wealth  of  cultivated  fields,  — 
It  forms  throughout  a  consecrated  grove. 
Beneath  its  ancient  shades  an  amber  stream 
Rushes  and  falls  in  many  a  wild  cascade ; 


10  SIEGE  OF  NEWPORT. 

Its  mouldering  mill  seems  but  a  troubled  dream, 
Long  ages  since  its  busy  wheels  have  played. 
But  here,  where  Channing  often  came  to  muse, 
Fashion  delights  to  wander  from  its  path ; 
Lovers  its  coverts  for  communion  choose; 
The  merry  clam-bait  often  builds  its  hearth ; 
Near  by,  its  modest  tea-house,  simple,  plain, 
Often  attracts  the  gayest  of  the  gay, 
Whose  hearts  beat  music  to  the  loveliest  strain, 
As  blush  of  morning  opens  on  the  day. 

Another  hour  along  by  Quaker  Hill, 
Across  the  vale  once  red  with  kindred  blood, 
We  reached  the  mouldering  battlements  that  still, 
As  when  upon  that  famous  day  they  stood, 
Their  graceful  walls  lift  high  'bove  field  and  flood ; 
For  hours  soon  sped  we  gazed  upon  the  scene 
Not  greatly  changed,  save  now  Seconnet  spanned 
By  bridge  and  rail,  and  now  the  herbage  green, 
Where  once  ten  thousand  men  in  battle  stand 
The  sultry  noonday,  fighting  hand  to  hand, 
Till  freedom  waves  her  banner  to  the  sky 
As  her  brave  sons  shout  out  their  victory. 
We  strolled  for  long  about  this  battle-field, 
And  conjured  into  life  the  ranks  opposed; 


INTRODUCTION'.  1 1 

Witnessed   their   onslaught,    where    compelled   to 

yield, 
The  British  rout,  the  well-fought  battle  closed. 

Our  horse  we  baited  down  at  Anthony's, 
Where  Greene,  that  bloody  day,  in  season  sped, 
His  valiant  troopers  hid  behind  the  trees 
While   his   brave    staff   should    break   their   daily 

bread. 

The  warning  came  of  Hessians  marching  near,  — 
The  savory  meat  abroil  upon  the  fire ; 
Not  caring  much  which  should  the  first  appear, 
Not  till  the  steak 's  consumed  would  he  retire. 
We  saw  the  marks  of  bullets  on  the  wall ; 
The  aged  grandchild  of  the  owner  then 
Told  us  how  in  the  fight  the  cannon  ball 
Hissed  o'er  the  roof,  and  fell  in  neighboring  glen ; 
For  many  a  year  still  traced  the  marks  of  strife 
Where  that  hot  day  strong,  fierce,  and  fearless  men 
In  desperate  combat  struggled,  life  for  life. 

Our  steed  refreshed,  with  rapid  steps  conveyed 
To  Bristol  Ferry  two  most  famished  souls ; 
With  pleasant  dames  our  late  repast  we  made 
Till  all  forgot  fatigue  from  morning  strolls. 


12  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Four  hours  since  noon ;   not  many  more  were  left 
For  what  remained  to  see  or  do  that  day ; 
Oft  from  the  bay  the  freshening  breezes  swept 
As  by  its  shore  we  took  our  homeward  way. 
Down  by  the  iron  mines  we  hold  our  course, 
Along  their  steep  decline  our  weary  feet 
Explored  their  depths,  —  a  plentiful  resource 
Of  wealth  to  Crocker  all  were  glad  to  greet ; 
By  Portsmouth  groves,  where  in  our  civil  strife 
Our  wounded  soldiers,  by  the  thousand,  found 
The  heavenly  care  of  mother,  maid,  and  wife, 
That  to  the  ranks  restored  them  strong  and  sound. 
Not  all :   in  fight  were  many  maimed  for  life, 
The   haggard    groups    limped    languid    'bout   the 

ground, 

For  scores  of  men  had  lost  an  arm  or  leg, 
Some  writhed  with  anguish  from  an  angry  wound 
Till  gentle  hand  applied  the  soothing  salve; 
All  felt  their  country  would  not  let  them  starve, 
Or,  though  disabled,  would  their  children  beg. 

Then  by  the  glade  where  gentle  genius  dwells, 
A  gifted  woman,  whose  impulsive  soul 
For  every  human  need  instinctive  swells, 
Her  work  inscribed  on  glory's  noblest  roll. 
How  well  remembered,  that  romantic  glade, 


INTRODUCTION.  13 

That  once  was  hers,  and  bears  an  honored  name 

Of  loveliest  maiden  in  the  distant  days, 

For  whom  historic  men  preferred  their  claim. 

Whose  beauty  still  evokes  historic  praise. 

But  Polly  Lawton's  lay  in  pale  eclipse, 

While  gushed  the  song  or  speech  from  Julia's  lips. 

In  Lawton's  valley  that  bright  summer  day 

A  group  of  men  and  maids,  assembled  there, 

Strolled  through  its  paths  that  looked   upon  the 

bay, 

Or  'neath  the  shading  trees  the  banquet  share. 
Surely  no  lovelier  banquet  hall  than  that : 
Through  the  midst  flowing  fast  a  copious  brook, 
The  emerald  banks  on  which  we  lolled  or  sat 
Formed  with  its  lofty  ledge  a  sylvan  nook, 
Surrounded  by  a  multitude  of  trees ; 
And  as  we  lay  enchanted  in  the  grass, 
Their  branches  rustling  in  the  cooling  breeze, 
Our  only  fear  such  happy  hours  must  pass,  — 
She  came,  and,  seated  on  a  log  lay  there, 
Sang  to  the  throng  bewitching  melodies. 

All  round  about  upon  the  hill-tops  strown 
Mementos  of  the  times  that  tried  men's  souls. 
Lo  !  near  the  bay,  that  bastion  overgrown 
With  turf  and  wild-flowers  on  its  sunny  knolls, 


.14  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Unwasted  by  the  many  seasons  flown, 
Where  brave  Laurens  —  upon  the  battle  rolls 
None   honored    more — that   morning    stood    his 

ground 

Until  the  Hessians  his  small  force  surround. 
Malsbury,  their  guide,  tells  how  on  gallant  steed 
He,  garbed  in  green  and  white,  his  ranks  deployed 
(Part  Continentals  in  their  white  and  blue), 
Kept  long  these  purchased  aliens  employed, 
And  when  out-numbered,  undismayed  withdrew. 
Both  sides  fought  bravely,  both  as  freely  bled. 
The  Southern  knight  his  orders  then  obeys 
To  save  his  troops  unharmed  for  future  stead, 
Falls  righting  back,  where  wall  or  thicket  lays ; 
Watching  his  chance,  pours  in  his  volleyed  shot, 
And  when  the  foe  came  up  they  found  him  not. 

In  yonder  mansion,  Barton  with  his  band 
Pounced  down  upon  the  Governor  surprised; 
With  muffled  oars  they  on  the  bay-shore  land, 
And  though  a  hostile  army  near  at  hand, 
On  such  a  quest  all  thought  of  risk  despised. 
Prescott,  who  then  exchanged  for  Sullivan 
Taken  with  Sterling  in  Long  Island's  fight, 
Now  ranking  second  in  the  garrison, 
Commanded  here  perhaps  upon  the  right; 


INTRO D  UC  TION.  I  5 

His  chief,  Sir  Robert,  distant  in  the  town, 
On  him  devolved  the  battle  for  the  Crown. 
In  seventy-five,  when  our  own  Prescott  led 
His  troops  to  Charlestown  for  that  earlier  strife, 
More  than  a  thousand  of  their  foemen  bled, 
Crippled  in  battle,  or  deprived  of  life. 
In  seventy-eight,  in  the  engagement  here, 
The  British  losses  from  the  morn  to  night, 
From  sources  quite  unquestionable,  appear 
Equal  to  that  on  Bunker's  famous  height. 

By  Anderson's  and  Redwood  speeding  on, 

And    where   the    mother    of    Greene's    grandsons 

dwells, 

Along  the  cove  once  owned  by  Coddington, 
Whose  pebbly  beach  the  coming  storms  foretells, 
As  gorgeous  sunset  flames,  then  slowly  fades, 
We  scale  the  slopes  of  Tammany  which  stand 
A  natural  fortress  that  no  art  parades, 
To  shield  its  rooted  walls  by  sea  or  land. 
This  the  whole  garrison,  should  disaster  come, 
Were  to  have  held  till  succor  reached  the  shore ; 
But  few  had  seen  again  their  distant  home 
Had  D'Estaing  waited  but  a  few  days  more. 
Its  heavy  guns  commanding  the  approach 
To  Newport,  where  a  fleet  could  do  it  hurt, 


1 6  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

The  Admiral,  if  heedless  of  reproach, 
Still  shrank  from  perils  he  might  not  avert. 

The  twinkling  stars  were  bursting  through  the  blue, 
Our  tireless  steed  observed  his  stable  near, 
And  my  good  friend,  as  noble  and  as  true 
As  that  Virginia  stock  he  claimed  his  own, 
Refreshed  our  weary  frames  with  ample  cheer, 
Well  earned  by  toils  that  we  but  little  knew, 
So  pleasantly  the  busy  hours  had  flown. 
Though  the  swift  decades  as  a  vapor  fled, 
And  nearly  two  since  our  farewell  was  said, 
I  hope  his  eye  may  scan  this  grateful  line 
With  treasured  memories  as  fond  as  mine. 


CANTO    I. 

LANDING. 

COR  many  years  our  patriot  sires 

Had  battled  with  the  foe, 
At  Concord  and  at  Bunker  Hill, 

Exchanging  blow  for  blow. 
Their  cannon  planted  on  the  heights 

Had  driven  him  from  the  town 
Where  Liberty  was  cradled, 

And  had  to  manhood  grown. 
At  Brooklyn,  against  thrice  their  odds 

They  fought  the  morning  through ; 
Before  a  second  morning  dawned, 

Their  ranks,  unharmed,  withdrew. 
That  autumn,  though  out-numbered, 

The  foe  was  held  at  bay, 
Till,  foiled,  he  yielded  up  the  field, 

From  Chester  marched  away. 
At  Christmas,  down  the  Delaware, 

Seeking  the  Hessian  fold, 
Captive  were  led  a  thousand  men, 

Purchased  with  British  gold. 


I  8  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

The  banks  of  Brandywine  were  drenched 

With  streams  of  British  blood, 
And  when  the  summer  sun  went  down 

They  still  unconquered  stood. 
At  Bemis  Heights  and  Bennington 

Deserted  all  the  farms ; 
The  enemy's  six  thousand  men 

To  Gates  laid  down  their  arms. 
A  few  short  weeks  of  rest  had  sped ; 

Re-marshalled  their  array, 
They  fell  upon  the  slumbering  camps 

Which  all  unconscious  lay. 
Chances  of  war  untoward, 

Mistake  and  fog  and  smoke, 
Snatched  victory  from  their  very  grasp 

As  ranks  in  panic  broke. 
Once  more  that  year  opposing  hosts 

Confront  with  purpose  dread, 
But  Howe  declined  the  combat 

And  home  his  forces  led ; 
He  had  in  Philadelphia  found 

Delights  he  loved  too  well, 
And  quite  content  to  keep  his  ground, 

Cared  not  to  break  the  spell. 
Another  campaign  sure  to  crush 

What  left  of  rebel  power ; 


LANDING.  19 

Yet  midst  the  whirl  of  pleasure's  rush 
Dull  thoughts  would  claim  their  hour. 

At  Valley  Forge,  that  winter  long, 

Our  sturdy  veterans  bore 
Hunger  and  cold  unmurmuringly, 

Disease  that  tried  them  sore. 
Those  gloomy  months,  forlorn  and  dread, 

What  chance  for  half-starved  men  ? 
When  hoped  alliance  made  with  France 

Strengthened  their  hearts  again. 
Anxious  but  not  disheartened, 

Still  stanch  for  liberty, 
Good  news  came  speeding  from  the  North, 

Good  news  across  the  sea. 
Success  brings  over  hosts  of  friends, 

Fellow-feelings  make  one  kind 
And  grateful  to  whom  succor  sends, 

To  selfish  motive  blind. 
For  now  upon  the  ocean  wave 

Came  flocking  near  a  score 
Of  vessels  vast  with  soldiers  brave ; 

Saint  Louis'  flag  they  bore. 
Howe  knew  his  danger,  and  aware 

The  French  would  burn  his  fleet 
If  left  within  the  Delaware, 


2O  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Prepared  for  his  retreat. 
It  was  no  pleasant  thought  to  leave 

A  place  so  much  endeared; 
Yet  winds  and  waves  his  fears  deceive, 

Or  else  the  fate  he  feared. 
For  eighty  days  storms  blocked  the  path 

Of  ships  that  sailed  the  sea; 
Britons  in  season  fled  from  wrath, 

Lest  tarrying  fatal  be. 
Of  royal  stock,  if  tale  be  true, 

Commanding  for  the  Crown, 
Howe  had  denied  assistance  due 

To  Burgoyne,  marching  down ; 
Clinton,  the  second  in  command, 

Appointed  to  his  place, 
More  fit  for  what  the  times  demand. 

The  allied  troops  to  face, 
To  intercept,  down  from  the  hill 

Our  army  swept  its  course, 
And  war  had  ended,  but  self-will 

Had  paralyzed  Lee's  force. 

As  in  the  desert  fevered  lips 

Yearn  for  the  cold  and  rain, 
Keen  eyes  that  sought  the  promised  ships 

Watched  long  for  them,  in  vain. 


LANDING.  2 1 

At  last,  where  sky  and  ocean  meet, 

A  crowd  of  sails  in  view,  — 
Their  gladdened  eyes  with  welcome  greet 

The  French,  as  near  they  drew. 
Huge  monsters  of  the  deep,  inside 

Twelve  thousand  battle-bred 
Sailors  and  soldiers,  as  they  glide 

To  port,  all  canvas  spread. 
The  waving  banner,  pealing  gun, 

Announce  the  tidings  'long  the  coast; 
Despatches  sent  by  Washington 

Speed  on  from  post  to  post. 
The  chiefs  in  council  to  direct 

The  force  with  best  success ; 
As  shoals  and  straits  New  York  protect, 

Strong  forts  prevent  access, 
To  Providence  were  orders  sent 

For  preparations  fit, 
And  Sullivan  every  effort  lent 

For  what  the  times  permit. 
For  near  two  years,  Saint  George's  flag 

On  Newport's  ramparts  flaunts, 
And  now  the  hope  the  place  may  fall 

Before  the  fleets  of  France. 
His  army's  but  a  scanty  force 

For  sixty  miles  of  bay, 


22  SIEGE  OF  NEWPORT. 

Should  hostile  troops  from  Newport  cross 

To  pillage,  burn,  or  slay. 
But  Pigott  wasted  not  his  strength 

Reserved  for  stress  of  war, 
And  when  the  fleet  arrived  at  length, 

Was  stronger  than  before, 
Behind  his  double  lines  of  forts, 

Flooded  lagoons  and  bastions, 
With  cannon  bristling  from  the  ports 

From  Easton's  cove  to  Coddington's. 
Six  thousand  well-armed  troops  defend 

Fair  Newport  of  the  sea-girt  isle,  — 
Hessians  whom  sordid  princes  lend, 

Britons  who  freeborn  rights  defile, 
To  help  enslave  their  kinsmen  here, 

Who  fighting  for  the  rights  of  men 
Might  rather  look  for  words  of  cheer 

Than  brutal  deeds  to  shame  the  pen. 
Near  by  some  dozen  ships  afloat, 

Or  sunk  the  channel's  course  to  bar, 
Battalions  on  Conanicut, 

As  many  on  Butts  Hill  afar, 
To  guard  the  fertile  farms  that  spread 

With  ripening  grain  from  shore  to  shore, 
To  Brenton's  point,  Seconnet's  head, 

A  dozen  sunny  miles  or  more. 


LANDING.  23 

The  year  before,  nine  thousand  men 

Strove  hard  to  take  the  place ; 
But  all  their  efforts  spent  in  vain, 

Spencer  his  steps  retraced. 
Not  easy,  from  a  land  so  bare, 

Its  stock  used  up,  unripe  its  grain, 
From  off  its  farms  a  man  to  spare, 

Or  should  they  come,  sustain ; 
To  raise  his  force  ten  thousand  strong, 

For  twice  as  many  furnish  food, 
Whatever  might  the  siege  prolong, 

Provide  for  all  that  multitude, 
Ovens  and  flour  for  the  French, 

Tents,  guns  and  powder,  flocks  and  herds, 
From  grudging  men  what  left  them  wrench, 

Resentment  calm  with  kindly  word. 
Unwonted  haste  is  apt  to  fret, 

War,  cruel  in  its  gentlest  guise, 
In  such  temptation,  how  forget, 

To  children's  lips  their  bread  denies. 

Sullivan  left  no  task  half  done; 

His  force  two  thousand  told ; 
As  many  sent  by  Washington 

Had  proved  at  Monmouth  bold. 


24  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Far  more  were  needed,  since  as  yet 

No  foothold  gained  upon  the  isle ; 
No  feebler  force  could  foothold  gain, 

Guarded  by  pickets  mile  by  mile. 
When  Boston  once  beleaguered  lay 

By  rebels  from  the  region  round, 
Enlistment  up,  they  would  not  stay, 

Leaving  their  camp  unguarded  ground ; 
The  waters  frozen,  and  their  line 

From  Mystic  mouth  to  Savin  Hill, 
Our  armies  could  less  well  combine, 

While  British  troops  worked  now  with  will. 
He  sent  forthwith  a  messenger 

To  Weare,  for  his  immediate  aid ; 
Nor  long  before  the  succors  came, 

Stalwart  and  hardy,  bold  yet  staid. 
And  now  with  like  appeal  again 

He  fired  each  heart  and  nerved  each  hand ; 
Ere  filled  the  moon,  ten  thousand  men 

Stood  armed,  equipped,  at  his  command ; 
Enough  expert  to  drill  the  rest, 

Among  them  veterans  in  fight. 
The  patriot's  ardor  warmed  each  breast 

To  battle  for  their  common  right ; 
From  bench  and  bar,  workshop  and  plough, 

Physicians  came,  priests  left  their  flocks, 


LANDING.  25 

The  marts  of  trade  in  silence  now, 

As  brave  men  seized  their  firelocks 
From  youth  their  safeguard,  joy,  support, 

That  rarely  missed  their  steady  aim ; 
To  ply  the  bayonet,  scale  the  fort, 

They  heard  the  call,  and  instant  came. 
What  they  most  cherished,  risked  in  war, 

Their  toilsome  lives  left  less  to  learn ; 
Plain  oft  might  be  the  garb  they  wore, 

Beneath,  their  hearts  with  fervor  burn. 

Meanwhile  the  gallant  admiral, 

With  all  his  ships  in  brave  array, 
Swept  round  Point  Judith's  troubled  wave 

And  anchored  in  the  bay. 
The  open  roadstead  his  to  keep 

Until  his  allies  close  at  hand. 
Fearing  some  hostile  fleet  might  sweep 

With  favoring  breezes  to  the  land, 
Perhaps  with  succors  to  the  town, 

At  disadvantage  take  becalmed, 
Or  garrison,  despondent  grown, 

Content  with  safety,  flee  unharmed,  — 
Not  strange  that  he  impatient  grows, 

Since  Byron  sails  the  sea; 


26  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Newport  defiant,  well  he  knows 

His  ships  in  jeopardy. 
The  British  craft  that  ply  the  bay 

Are  burnt,  and  at  Seconnet's  cape 
Three  sturdy  frigates  block  the  way 

To  reinforcement  or  escape. 
A  garrison  at  Butts's  Hill 

The  passage  from  its  heights  command ; 
Should  rebel  force  at  Crundell's  mill 

And  French  near  Dyer's  island  land, 
They  may  be  captured ;   or,  if  dare 

Dispute  the  crossing,  boats  assail, 
The  frigates  sweep  the  region  bare,  — 

Such  weak  resistance  not  avail. 
But  as  our  troops  reach  Tiverton, 

The  British  regiments  withdrawn 
Left  Butts's  Hill  unoccupied  ; 

Which  when  the  sun  at  dawn  betrayed, 

The  patriots,  speedily  arrayed, 
Crossed  to  the  island  side. 

D'Estaing  knew  they  were  coming,  and  each  ship 
Forcing  its  way  moved  up  towards  the  town, 

Clearing  for  action,  and  its  anchors  trip, 
Prepared  for  battle, as  the  sun  went  down. 


LANDING.  27 

The  following  morning  as  it  left  the  sea, 

The  Americans  on  to  the  island  crossed ; 
No  force  opposing  and  the  passage  free, 

No  idle  moment  in  that  crossing  lost. 
At  early  daybreak  Lafayette,  despatched, 

Informed  D'Estaing  that  they  his  orders  wait; 
Urge  him  to  land  upon  Conanicut 

The  troops  of  France,  from  thence  to  pass  the 

strait 
To  join  their  allies,  as  proceeding  down 

They  come  abreast  where  he  designed  to  land ; 
And,  thus  united  landward  of  the  town, 

Present  a  force  were  idle  to  withstand. 
The  French  contingent,  and  a  thousand  more 

That  had  been  left  by  Sullivan  on  the  main, 
Should  as  concerted  several  days  before 

Under  command  of  Lafayette  remain. 


CANTO    II. 

SEA  FIGHT. 

MEWPORT,  an  ancient  city, 
Still  of  no  less  renown, 
Streets  clustered  close  together, 

From  the  hill-top  sloping  down, 
Crowded  with  handsome  structures, 

Many  bordering  on  the  bay, 
Where  with  their  guns  all  loaded 

The  French  fleet  ready  lay. 
Its  commerce  had  been  prospered ; 

Homes  of  elegance  and  wealth 
Adorned  their  pleasant  parlors 
With  all  was  rich  and  rare, 
With  the  glory  of  maidens  wondrous  fair, 
Famed  the  world  over  beyond  compare, 

Not  alone  for  beauty, 

But  for  grace  and  health. 

Ten  thousand  souls  possessed  it, 
Six  thousand  soulless  men ; 

One  common  grief  depressed  it,  — 
So  fair,  to  perish  then. 


SEA   FIGHT.  29 

Perhaps  some  prayer  ascended 

From  hearts  forlorn  below; 

Supplications  blended 
It  might  be  spared  the  blow. 

It  was  a  scene  of  horror, 

Of  horror  and  dismay ; 
Well  might  strong  hearts  be  breaking, 

And  proudest  spirits  pray. 
They  felt  the  hour  must  surely  come 

To  sweep  them  out  of  life, 

Destroying  their  lifelong  home 

Exposed  to  deadly  strife. 

Pigott,  the  stern  commander, 

Burned  all  his  ships  of  war, 
And  dwellings  caught  like  tinder 

As  winds  the  embers  bore ; 
Their  crackling  boards  and  rafters  blaze, 

With  maddening  fury  roar, 
Dark  wreaths  of  smoke  wrap  roof  and  spire,  — 

It  seemed  that  all  must  go ; 
And  as  the  conflagration  spread 

Midst  tribulations  dire, 
The  stoutest  men  grow  still  with  dread, 
Weak  women  with  their  terror  craze, 
And  tears  of  anguish  flow. 


3O  SIEGE  OF  NEWPORT. 

We  know  from  one  who  tells  the  tale, 

And  she  was  there  to  see, 
The  piteous  moans,  the  hearts  that  fail 

In  such  extremity; 
How  mother,  frantic,  grasps  her  child 

With  hopeless  woe  and  wail, 
The  gentle  maids  of  manners  mild 
With  senseless  terror  dazed  and  wild, 

Strong  men  with  terror  pale. 
Down  in  the  cellars,  anxious  groups 

Cling  madly  in  despair, 
Awaiting  there  their  common  doom 
Shrouded  in  universal  gloom, 

Which  even  some  among  the  troops 

Of  sturdy  veterans  share. 
It  was  an  awful  thought,  to  think 

Of  their  impending  fate ; 
Yet  their  commander  would  not  shrink 

From  what  his  rules  dictate, 
Though  a  whole  city  on  the  brink 

Of  such  destruction  wait. 

Sir  Robert,  steadfast,  stubborn,  stood 
Amidst  his  suppliants  pale ; 

Surrender  shames  his  hardihood 
Whatever  power  assail, 
A  soldier's  duty  not  to  quail, 


SEA   FIGHT.  31 

But  rather  die  on  battle-field 
Than  or  to  man  or  woman  yield. 

And  should  the  enemy  prevail, 
Would  not  be  shed  their  blood : 

Perhaps  he  still  has  faith  in  chance, 

Perhaps  in  heavenly  care, 

Perhaps,  as  knighthood  in  his  lance, 
In  his  armed  soldiers  there. 

D'Estaing  was  haughty,  stern,  and  proud, 

Often  jealous  and  unjust; 
But  his  worst  foes  his  worth  allowed 

When  he  returned  to  dust. 
His  heart  was  tender,  honor  keen 

Prompted  each  word  and  deed ; 
And  gazing  on  the  lovely  scene, 

What  marvel  that  his  heart  should  bleed 

To  desolate  the  place  ! 

Such  misery  the  sternest  breasts  might  melt, 
His  own  too  loving  not  that  misery  share ; 

Perhaps  a  fervent  suppliant  he  knelt, 

Invoking  God  that  hapless  people  spare. 

Our  supplications  ever  reach  His  throne, 
Are  often  granted  by  His  will  divine; 


32  SIEGE  OF  NEWPORT. 

If  not,  we  leave  events  to  Him  alone, 
And  never  at  His  providence  repine. 

Not  always  in  the  mode  we  blindly  pray 
His  love  and  mercy  to  our  needs  dispense; 

The  boon  is  granted  in  some  other  way 
Than  seems  the  fittest  to  our  feebler  sense. 

If,  like  the  snowy  peaks  that  pierce  the  sky, 

D'Estaing  was  of  a  temper  cold  and  proud, 
His  heart  for  others  beat  with  sympathy, 

Indifferent  only  to  the  selfish  crowd. 
No  danger  daunted  him,  no  sleepless  night 

Impairs  the  vigor  of  that  strong,  stern  man 
Who  never  swerved  from  what  he  deemed  the  right ; 

When  once  decided,  rarely  changed  his  plan. 
His  captains  gave  their  views  at  his  request; 

He  heard  in  silence  what  they  each  might  say, 
And  then  deciding  what  to  him  seemed  best, 

Naught  left  for  them  but  what  he  bade,  obey. 
All  through  the  fleet  his  arbitrary  power 

Enforced  with  rigor  what  his  needs  demand ; 
If  spirit  haughty  and  his  temper  sour, 

Not  less  for  that  well  fitted  to  command. 
His  favorites  few,  not  all  for  worth  preferred,  — 

Such  the  reproach  that  often  envy  made 


SEA   FIGHT.  33 

Which  deemed  on  others  benefit  conferred 

Implied  for  self  some  lack  of  courtesy. 
Some  feared  and  hated,  yet  esteemed  him  too 

As  an  accomplished  seaman,  wise  and  brave ; 
How  oft  in  anguish  passed  his  nights  they  knew, 

And  yet  no  sign  of  what  he  suffered  gave. 
With  thoughtful  steps  he  paced  his  quarter-deck, 

There  and  in  his  cabin  lived  alone,  — 
If  loved  or  not,  he  was  too  proud  to  reck. 

Yet  naught  concerned  his  fleet  to  him  unknown ; 
His  soul  for  glory  yearned,  yet  laurels  sought 

Were  less  his  own  than  for  the  brow  of  France ; 
Nor  cared  if  dripping  with  his  heart's  blood  bought, 

Could  they  her  grandeur  or  her  fame  enhance. 
Though  pain  and  pride  his  nobler  traits  obscured, 

His  natural  instincts  were  of  knighthood's  best ; 

His  disappointments  patiently  endured, 

When  duty  called,  he  gave  himself  no  rest. 
Savannah,  Saint  Lucie,  and  Newport  now, 

With  fault  or  failure  blurred  a  proud  career; 
Granada's  fillets  justly  graced  the  brow 

He  laid  upon  the  block  without  a  fear. 

No  sunshine  could  dispel  that  heavy  gloom 

That  brooded  darkling  o'er  this  fated  town, 
When  thirty  sail  around  Point  Judith  loom, 

3 


34  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Rise  into  view,  then  drop  their  anchors  down. 
These  startling  tidings  sped  from  Beavertail, 

Confirmed  aloft  upon  the  "  Languedoc," 
Not  unadorned  came  to  the  Admiral 

From  watch  on  hill  and  cliff,  from  crag  and  rock. 
Too  wise  to  doubt  that  well  this  numerous  fleet 

Might  bring  the  needed  succor  to  the  place, 
If  Byron  with  them  cut  off  his  retreat, 

He  chose  to  meet  the  danger  face  to  face. 
He  issued  orders  to  his  troops  on  land 

Without  delay  forthwith  to  re-embark ; 
Impatience  helped  not,  with  few  boats  at  hand, 

Nor  all  aboard  before  the  night  grew  dark. 
How  weak  the  force  opposed  to  him  unknown, 

Or  how  disheartened  were  the  garrison, 
Or  Newport  would  that  night  have  been  his  own, 

The  work  he  came  to  do,  been  bravely  done. 

When  broke  the  morn,  his  preparations  made, 

Fresh  breezes  blowing  from  the  west  and  north, 
As  ebbs  the  tide  he  braves  the  cannonade 

From  Dumpling's  and  a  work  that  opposite 
Stood,  where  Fort  Adams  frowns  her  thousand  guns; 

And  losing  four-score  men,  he  issued  forth 
To  find  the  enemy  the  battle  shuns. 

Discerns  far  off  Howe  with  his  numerous  fleet 


SEA   FIGHT.  35 

Hull  down  against  the  sky  in  full  retreat. 
He  could  not  tell  but  that  his  crafty  foe 

Had  sailed  away  the  better  to  contend, 
He  would  have  stayed  and  laid  the  city  low, 

With  such  assistance  as  the  troops  might  lend. 
If  for  return,  the  breezes  barred  the  gate, 

The  summer  winds  were  apt  to  veer  and  change ; 
A  few  short  hours  might  not  have  proved  too  late 

To  bring  the  town  again  within  his  range. 

Lost  in  conjecture  as  to  what  might  mean 

That  sudden  coming,  why  they  now  withdrew, 
He  did  not  hesitate,  lest  though  still  seen 

The  enemy  might  disappear  from  view. 
As  the  last  vessels  from  the  straits  defiling 

Float  on  that  August  sea  without  a  cloud, 
Its  sapphire  floor  with  golden  dimples  smiling, 

As  waves  on  waves  in  fretted  silver  crowd ; 
From  off  the  lofty  decks  the  wide  horizon 

Spreading  away  into  the  vast  expanse, 
All  tremulous  with  luminous  commotion, 
Swelling  and  heaving  from  the  depths  of  ocean, 

The  keels  of  nearly  twenty  ships  of  France. 

No  moment  wasted ;  each  ship  took  its  place 
In  line,  as  signalled  from  the  "  Languedoc;  " 


36  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Crowding  all  sail,  they  followed  up  the  chase 
That  flew  before  them  an  affrighted  flock ; 

With  weather  gage,  D'Estaing  was  well  content 
To  keep  his  fleet  between  them  and  the  bay, 

Assured  that  thus  his  ships  could  circumvent 
Any  attempt  to  baffle  him  by  day. 

Their  transports  filled  with  soldiers  and  supplies 

Clogging  their  eager  efforts  to  escape, 
They  know  their  surest  chance  of  safety  lies 

In  gaining  speedily  Long  Island's  cape; 
And  as  along  at  night  they  skirt  its  shore, 

Their  sluggish  convoy  left  where  haven  found, 
Impeded  in  their  onward  course  no  more 

The  stancher  cruisers  o'er  the  billows  bound. 
Never  asleep  when  peril  hovers  near, 

D'Estaing  his  vigils  keeps  when  others  rest; 
Nor  storm  nor  battle  shook  his  breast  with  fear, 

Ever  afloat  in  full  equipments  dressed. 
•  Not  for  himself  but  for  his  fleet  he  cared, 
For  what  might  chance  his  tranquil  mind  prepared  ; 
His  only  dread,  in  watches  of  the  night 
The  foemen  would  elude  his  Argus  eyes, 
For  friendly  stars  emit  but  little  light 

To  help  the  hunter  to  his  feebler  prize. 


SEA  FIGHT.  37 

The  skies  that  dawn  as  clear,  the  wind  as  strong, 

As  favorable  as  on  the  yester  morn, 
With  sails  all  set,  as  dashed  the  fleets  along,  — 

On  the  same  breeze  the  hind  and  panther  borne. 
They  minded  not  though  every  sheet  was  taut, 
The  yards  to  their  last  pressure  braced  and  strained, 
Each  flaw  of  wind  in  some  fresh  canvas  caught, 

As  one  or  other  on  the  distance  gained. 
They  sped  along,  and  now  they  quit  the  Sound, 

Double  the  cape,  the  crafty  hind  aware 
Byron  may  come,  or  other  succor  found, 

If  still  pursued  within  that  thoroughfare 

That  leads  them  back  to  safety  and  to  home. 

Perchance  the  French  might  soon  give  up  the 

chase, 
Within  fresh  perils  hardly  care  to  come ; 

Perhaps  to  Newport  back  their  course  retrace,  — 
If  not  already  Newport  been  relieved 

Through  gates  his  absence  had  left  ajar, 
While  the  Americans  march  on  deceived, 

To  be  defeated  if  they  press  too  far. 
In  vain  they  reason,  D'Estaing  falters  not; 

Each  hour  he  gains,  the  distance  less  and  less ; 
In  eagerness  to  win,  Newport  forgot, 

He  presses  sail  with  utter  recklessness. 


38  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

The  azure  skies  the  fleecy  cloudlets  speck, 

Their  phantom  forms,  of  many  a  semblance  strange, 

Shoot  up  in  peaks  or  pinnacles,  or  take 

The  grand  proportions  of  some  mountain  range; 

Their  shadows  flitting  wildly  o'er  the  seas 

Leave  here  expanse  of  brilliancy  intense; 
Here  broader  waters  deepen  into  shade, 
The  air  grows  sultry  and  abates  the  breeze, 
The  angry  surges  sweep  the  vast  immense, 

And  as  the  day  declines,  the  sunbeams  fade, 
The  sea  all  sable  and  the  skies  all  gloom 

Seemed  the  sad  presage  of  approaching  doom. 

While  gathered  thus  the  storm,  the  British  fleet, 

Resolved  to  meet  the  fate  it  cannot  fly, 
Feeling  how  useless  farther  to  retreat, 

Nor  always  to  the  strong  the  victory. 
Some  shifting  wind  that  shaped  their  bold  array 

Brought  the  opposing  squadrons  side  by  side, 
And  port  to  port  their  deadly  batteries  play, 

To  mortal  combat  each  their  foe  defied. 
The  muttering  thunder  echoes  back  the  guns, 
The  raging  tempests  mingle  in  the  strife ; 
In  battle,  death  no  manly  spirit  shuns, 
But  for  his  country  gladly  yields  his  life. 


SEA  FIGHT.  39 

Both  fearless  fought,  and  both  as  freely  shed 
Their  blood  for  flag,  for  country,  and  their  cause ; 
From  stem  to  stern  one  noble  spirit  spread,  — 
To  do  their  duty,  not  to  gain  applause. 

Amidst  the  crash  of  heaven's  artillery, 

The  roar  of  cannon,  and  the  boisterous  gale 

Sweeping  huge  surges  o'er  the  angry  sea, 

No  time  nor  chance  to  reef  the  crowded  sail ; 

And  while  the  quivering  timbers  reel  and  rock 

Of  the  great  Admiral,  the  "  Languedoc," 

Down  came  its  mainmast  with  terrific  shock. 

Such  her  sad  fate  predicted  from  the  start; 

Her  lofty  spars  soared  upward  to  the  clouds, 

Successive  tempests  wrenched  her  fasts  apart, 

Her  sails  were  heavy  and  relaxed  her  shrouds. 

Close  by  a  sister  ship,  if  not  as  vast, 

The  "  Tonnaut,"  even  more  unfortunate ; 

Its  canvas  torn  and  tattered  by  the  blast 

Could  be  to  little  useful  purpose  set, 

She  the  same  moment  lost  her  mast  and  sprit, 

And  floated  helpless  on  the  hungry  sea. 

The  sailors  sprang  to  clear  away  the  deck, 

To  cut  apart  the  ropes,  the  helm  refit, 

When  two  stanch  frigates  of  the  enemy, 

"  Renown  "  and  "Preston,"  bore  down  on  the  wreck. 


4O  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Crippled  by  this  mischance,  the  Admiral, 
Such  bold  presumption  ill  disposed  to  brook, 

With  steadfast  mind  no  peril  could  appal, 
Measures  to  destroy  them  with  discretion  took ; 
As  they  wared  round  to  gain  a  better  range 
His  well-directed  broadsides  raked  and  swept, 

Piercing  their  hulls,  their  discipline  derange, 
Their  rigging  severed  and  their  masts  unstept. 

No  odds  the  mariners  of  England  daunt ; 
The  "  Preston  "  strove  the  "  Languedoc  "  to  board, 

Whose  batteries  above,  below,  aslant, 
Such  streams  of  shot  on  her  assailant  poured 
That  all  unmanageable  it  drifts  away 
Into  the  darkness  of  approaching  night, 

Still  more  obscure  from  the  impending  smoke. 
Nor  could  D'Estaing  himself  renew  the  fight; 

For  midst  the  mountain  waves  he  helmless  lay, 
As  gale  on  gale  in  fiercer  fury  broke. 
One  chance  he  had  to  sink  her,  but  forbore ; 
'T  is  said  he  had  some  reason  to  believe 
His  combatant  was  Dutch  ;   perhaps  she  bore 

The  flag  of  Holland  purposed  to  deceive. 

The  men  on  the  "  Renown  "  still  undismayed, 
Though   many   slain,  and  weakened   mast   and 
yard, 


SEA   FIGHT.  41 

Closed  with  the  "  Marseillais,"  and  long  essayed 

To  scale  her  decks,  and  often  pressed  her  hard. 
The  French,  impetuous,  gathered  all  their  strength, 

Repelled  their  boarders,  and  their  batteries  plied 
With  such  effect,  their  foes  content  at  length 

By  waves  resistless  driven  from  their  side. 
Till  late  that  night  were  heard  the  booming  guns 

Borne  on  the  howling  storm  from  where  they  fight ; 
At  last  each  blood-drenched  ship  the  combat  shuns, 

Both  anxiously  await  the  coming  light. 

The  "  Caesar"  in  confusion  of  the  night 

Wandered  away,  and  no  one  whither  knew; 
Driven  by  angry  tempests  in  their  might, 

Or  following  up  its  quarry  in  its  flight, 
It  dashed  along  and  disappeared  from  view. 
As  ceased  the  storm,  and  sunshine  once  again 

Spread  o'er  the  summer  sea  its  azure  calm, 
Meeting  the  "  Iris"  it  disabled  her; 

Efforts  to  take  her  captive  proved  in  vain, 
Her  consorts  near  prevented  farther  harm, 

And  leaking  sides  the  boarders  bold  deter. 
It  was  a  bloody  battle ;   port  to  port 
Both  bravely  fought,  nor  cared  that  death  was  near. 
When  over,  each  a  friendly  haven  sought; 
The  "  Caesar  "  found  a  cordial  welcome  here. 


42  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

The  captain  in  the  onslaught  lost  an  arm ; 

His  gallant  conduct  won  deserved  applause ; 
His  timely  words  resentment  helped  to  calm : 

He  would  have  given  both  for  such  a  cause. 

Shattered,  forlorn,  now  moored  on  George's  Bank 
That  fleet  of  France,  but   late   so    strong  and 

proud. 

Bitter  the  cup  their  humbled  leader  drank, 
Bitter  the  thoughts  that  on  his  conscience  crowd ; 
His  secret  pledge  on  leaving,  to  return, 
Stood  out  in  bold  relief,  nor  could  he  find, 
As  various  justifications  came  in  turn, 
One  that  could  set  at  rest  his  tortured  mind. 
His  ships  committed  to  his  special  care, 
Three  of  six  frigates  left,  in  haste  to  sail, 
In  the  east  channel  perhaps  poorly  fare,  — 
How  could  he  to  such  obligations  fail? 
And  yet  should  Byron  with  his  ships  be  there, 
The  siege  resumed  could  but  destruction  bring, 
Not  only  would  his  fleet  but  others  share. 
Anticipated  ills  his  heart-strings  wring. 
At  last  his  spirit,  resolute  in  right, 
Bravely  concluded  to  redeem  his  word ; 
With  all  his  vessels  that  were  fit  to  fight, 
Nor,  now  the  winds  allow,  his  course  deferred. 


SEA   FIGHT.  43 

How  large  the  fleet  opposed  he  could  not  tell, 
Or  whither  gone;  the  "Valiant"  captured  four, 
The  "  Hector,"  "  Thunder,"  and  the  "  Senegal," 
Burning  the  "  Bombard,"  but  removed  before 
Its  guns  and  mortars.     Had  the  Admiral, 
With  the  "  Fantasque  "  and  "  Sagittaire  " 
As  counselled,  changed  his  course  to  overhaul 
Three  ships  to  windward,  he  had  taken  there 
Byron,  perchance,  on  board  of  one  of  them, — 
Byron,  his  danger  and  his  constant  thought, 
Who  thwarted  all  his  plans  by  stratagem, 
Whom  he  soon  after  at  Granada  fought, 
With  equal  forces  upon  either  side, 
And  gained  by  seamanship  the  victory,  — 
Some  partial  solace  to  his  wounded  pride 
When  later  he  should  less  successful  be. 
Eager  to  learn  with  whom  he  had  to  cope 
He  followed  Howe  near  by  to  Sandy  Hook, 
WThose  quickened  sail  encouraging  the  hope 
His  force  less  than  his  own,  his  way  he  took 
To  his  intended  haven ;  when  they  reach 
The  place  abruptly  left  ten  days  before, 
Both  Greene  and  Lafayette  in  vain  beseech, 
To  take  the  town,  his  help  for  two  days  more. 

Reluctantly  he  told  them  the  orders  of  the  king, 
Should  disaster  o'ertake  him,  to  Boston  to  repair. 


44  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

The  hope  his  fleet  returning  to  drooping  spirits  bring 
Rankled  to  resentment,  vexation,  and  despair. 
Sent  to  change  his  purpose  an  eloquent  appeal ; 
His  resolution  taken,  arguments  proved  vain, 
With  temper  somewhat  ruffled  he  could  scarce 

conceal, 

With  his  three  frigates  he  sailed  away  again. 
'Tween  Nantucket  and  its  shallows 
A  tortuous  course  they  steer, 
Passes  that  such  war-ships  never  sailed  before ; 
They  reached  the  haven,  Byron  following  near 
With  all  his  squadron  that  had  reached  the  shore. 
For  many  weeks  blockaded  by  his  watchful  foe, 
D'Estaing  gnawed  his  heart  in  silence  and  profound 

regret 
That  when  at  advantage  he  had  not  struck  the 

blow, 
The  odds  against  him  had  not  bravely  met. 

If  in  self-excuse  he  parleyed  with  irrevocable  facts, 
Imputing  blame  where  no  reproach  deserved, 
His  soul  —  a  soul  of  honor  —  readily  retracts, 
Between  the  nations  friendly  ties  preserved. 
All  their  means  exhausted  in  protracted  war, 
What  little  left  them  ventured  in  this  throw. 
America  with  reason  felt  disappointment  sore, 


SEA  FIGHT.  45 

In  word  and  action  their  resentment  show. 

Hancock  and  Boston's  magnates 

Patrol  at  night  the  streets 

Where  sailors  and  the  ruder  sort 

Infest  its  low  retreats ; 

Where  stinging  words,  provoking  blows, 

Led  oft  to  deadly  strife, 

Which  interposing  to  repress, 

Saint  Sauveur  lost  his  life. 


CANTO   III. 

THE  MARCH. 

A  S  thus  o'er  troubled  waters  flits  the  fleet, 

What  chanced  the  army  on  the  sea-girt  isle? 
Who  left  deserted,  thought  not  of  retreat, 
The  hoped  return  their  anxious  thoughts  beguile. 
They  numbered  there  ten  thousand  stalwart  men ; 
The  land  demands  that  Newport  should  be  freed,  — 
Let  those  that  will,  march  to  their  homes  again, 
The  greatest  glory  left  for  doughty  deed. 
These  valiant  troops  as  gallant  chiefs  command,  — 
Greene,  Cornell,  Varnum,  on  their  native  soil; 
Hancock,  who  for  the  cause  pledged  life  and  land, 
And  Lafayette,  whose  veins  historic  boil ; 
Whipple  from  Portsmouth,  the  New  Hampshire 

force, 

Tyler,  Connecticut's  contingent  led ; 
Revere  from  Boston  on  his  tireless  horse, 
Shepherd  and  West  and  Morris,  battle  bred ; 
Laurens,  whose  sire  in  Congress  then  presides, 
And  Livingston,  who  many  a  charge  shall  lead ; 


THE  MARCH.  47 

Glover,  Jackson,  Lovell,  and  a  host  besides, 

Willingly  martyrs  if  the  country  need. 

Nor  was  their  chief  less  honored  than  the  rest ; 

Since  the  war  opened,  ever  in  the  field, 

At  times  defeated,  still  he  did  his  best,  — 

Courage  and  skill  to  stronger  ranks  must  yield. 

Not  one  more  quick  to  brave  a  despot  king, 

With  pen  or  lip  more  eloquent  or  bold ; 

None  to  the  cause  hearts  more  devoted  bring, 

Not  one  more  steadfast  to  that  cause  uphold. 

All  knew  full  well  what  obstacles  beset, 

What  bloody  paths  must  lead  to  what  they  crave, 

Nor  in  presumption  ever  vain  forget 

Not  theirs  to  choose  the  glory  or  the  grave ; 

And  wise  to  see,  when  every  effort  strained 

To  reach  what  seems  already  in  their  grasp, 

When  most  assured  the  yearned  for  prize  attained, 

Men  oft  deluded  fading  phantoms  clasp. 

Nor  over  sanguine,  without  troops  and  fleet, 

Anvil  and  sledge,  small  chance  to  batter  down 

The  double  lines  which  the  defence  complete, 

Reduce  the  forts  encircling  the  town. 

The  harbor  clogged  with  sunken  ships  and  wrecks, 

Rose  Island  stretching  all  along  the  front 

But  narrow  channels  from  the  sea  protects. 


48  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Woe  to  the  wooden  ships  that  brave  the  brunt 

Of  Tammany  and  all  the  batteries  fierce 

That  crowd  the  heights  and  guard  the  graceful  shore, 

To  sweep  their  decks,  their  lofty  bulwarks  pierce  ! 

Yet  should  D'Estaing  victorious  return, 

The  troops  in  strength  already  done  their  part, 

Their  foes  outnumbered  would  not  Newport  burn, 

Contented  if  permitted  to  depart. 

Had  all  his  fleet  rode  safely  through  the  gale, 

Howe's  found  the  refuge  it  was  forced  to  seek, 

The  Admiral  could  not  in  honor  fail 

To  lend  his  might  against  a  place  so  weak. 

The  troops,  of  all  the  strength  the  needs  required 

To  effect  the  purpose  that  had  brought  them  there, 

Should  they  give  up  the  advantage  and  retire, 

Well  merited  the  shame  were  theirs  to  bear. 

They  did  not  rest.     To  organize  their  force 
Thus  quickly  gathered,  caused  some  slight  delay; 
At  last  prepared  to  follow  up  their  course, 
The  march  was  ordered  for  the  coming  day. 
The  skies  had  clouded,  and  the  skies  had  cleared, 
At  times  the  thunder  pealed,  the  lightning  flashed, 
'Mid  sudden  gusts  the  August  sun  appeared, 
The  rain  in  torrents  on  the  herbage  plashed, 
The  trickling  drops  upon  each  blade  and  leaf 


THE  MARCH.  49 

Returning  sunbeams  light  with  golden  tint, 
And  as  the  distant  ships  their  canvas  reef, 
The  brazen  cannon  from  their  port-holes  glint, 
Ready  for  battle  or  to  face  the  storm ; 
The  troops  deserted  on  the  hills  arrayed 
Column  or  line,  order  close  or  open  form, 
March,  countermarch,  and  wheel  and  turn  and  halt, 
Then  their  long  ranks  stand  still  for  grand  parade ; 
The  sun  declining  down  its  azure  vault 
From  every  sword  and  moving  bayonet  glares, 
The  banners  wave,  and  steeds  go  prancing  by, 
And  twixt  that  lovely  land  and  cloudless  sky 
The  bands  of  France  pour  forth  their  martial  airs. 
In  proud  array  and  every  man  in  post, 
The  general  orders,  with  their  clarion  sound, 
With  patriot  ardor  animate  the  host, 
Responsive  cheers  reverberate  around. 

In  after  orders  Sullivan  once  more 
Thanked  his  brave  soldiers,  officers  and  men, 
And  all  who  had  freely  volunteered  their  aid 
To  drive  the  British  tyrants  from  the  land ; 
Their  zeal  and  spirit  pleasing  presage  gave, 
The  triumph  that  they  sought  was  near  at  hand. 
In  numbers  stronger  than  the  .enemy, 
With  sacred  love  of  liberty  aglow, 

4 


5O  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

And  earnest  wish  to  set  the  country  free ; 
Fired  with  resentment  at  a  barbarous  foe, 
Wherever  suffered  at  his  will  to  go, 
Throughout  the  country  desolation  spread, 
Deluged  with  blood  that  unprovoked  they  shed ; 
With  this  to  animate  and  on  to  press, 
The  prospect  full  of  promise  of  success, 
Well  may  they  hope  a  glorious  victory. 

In  bravery  tried  on  many  a  field  of  late 
Of  Continentals  long  inured  to  war, 
Dependence  by  their  fellow  soldiers  placed, 
Their  country,  on  the  character  they  bore, 
Should  be  another  spur  to  stimulate, 
To  keep  the  laurels  they  had  justly  won; 
The  volunteers  and  independent  corps 
Of  free  will  came  to  share  the  enterprise, 
Had  every  motive  to  maintain 
A  reputation  which  they  well  might  prize, 
In  promptly  flying  to  their  country's  call ; 
State  troops  had  been  his  privilege  to  lead, 
With  everything  to  lose  and  much  to  gain, 
He  knew  none  would  outdo  in  gallant  deed. 

Composed  of  freemen  who  the  last  year  fought 

With  equal  courage  if  not  like  result, 

The  same  incentives  spurred  to  conquer  then 


THE  MARCH.  51 

Would  give  the  land  like  reason  to  exult. 

The  expectations  by  their  prowess  wrought, 

The  general  safety,  property,  and  life, 

Duty  as  citizens,  their  rights  as  men,  — 

All  they  most  cherished  ventured  in  the  strife 

Bids  act  the  freeman's  part,  their  birthright  claim, 

And  of  Americans  deserve  the  name. 

He  every  danger  and  fatigue  would  share, 

His  life  when  needed  fearlessly  expose ; 

He  doubted  not  that  they  like  hearts  would  bear, 

To  the  same  sacrifice  their  hearts  dispose. 

\Yith  sentiments  like  these  —  so  just  a  cause  — 

They  needs  must  conquer,  win  the  world's  applause, 

And  when  their  country  free  from  war's  alarms, 

Return  triumphant  to  her  grateful  arms. 

Behold  at  sunset  on  that  changeful  day 
The  leaders,  on  those  walls  still  mouldering  there, 
Near  forty  fathoms  high  above  the  bay, 
Delighted  scan  a  scene  still  wondrous  fair. 
Towards  the  south  Seconnet's  narrow  tide, 
Tinged  with  the  splendors  of  the  parting  beams, 
Where  D'Estaing's  frigates,  decked  with  streamers, 

ride 

Out  to  the  yeasty  foam  where  ocean  gleams. 
Beyond  the  turmoil  of  the  wind-lashed  wave 


52  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Mount  Hope  looms  lurid  in  refracted  rays, 
Where  once  King  Philip  gave  his  life  to  save 
His  Wampanoags  from  stranger  that  betrays. 
Far  down  that  shore,  were  theirs  the  eagle's  eye, 
Point  Judith,  cradled  in  the  storm-tost  deep, 
Lifts  low  its  wrinkled  front  against  the  sky 
Near  where  Canonicus,  Canonchet,  sleep. 
In  front,  not  far  removed,  on  Quaker  Hill, 
Whose    blood-drenched    slope    might    name    less 

peaceful  bear, 

The  camps  with  war-worn  tents  the  hollows  fill ; 
And  stars  and  stripes,  and  banner  of  the  king, 
The  fleur-de-lis,  their  folds  oft  mingling  fling 
Upon  the  freshness  of  the  evening  air ; 
There  the  gay  throng  for  morning's  march  prepared, 
Cleansing  their  muskets,  filling  their  canteens, 
Or  round  the  board  their  well-earned  supper  shared, 
Then  closed  their  eyelids  upon  earthly  scenes. 

The  storm  but  lulled,  not  spent,  recruits  its  strength 
In  sighs  and  sobs,  the  soldier's  lullaby, 
With  all  its  earlier  menace  gained  at  length ; 
The  darkling  clouds  sweep  swiftly  up  the  sky, 
The  stars  go  out  as  thickening  scuds  flew  past, 
A  sable  darkness  shrouds  the  night  in  gloom 
Save  where  flash  low  electric  tongues  of  flame ; 


THE  MARCH.  53 

Nor  still ;  for  on  the  shores  the  billows  boom, 
From  far  away  the  muttering  thunders  came 
And  wilder,  fiercer  grew  the  angry  blast. 
Soon  from  above  big  pattering  drops  of  rain 
Splash  on  the  canvas,  now  in  streams  descend ; 
The  tents  one  moment  glare,  then  dark  again, 
As  deafening  peals  near  by  the  welkin  rend ; 
They  flap  and  swirl,  and  all  their  fastenings  strain, 
Stakes,  props,  give  way ;  they  fall  in  hopeless  wreck, 
Crushing  the  sleepers.     Yet  some  warriors  bold 
That  elemental  war  but  little  reck, 
All  undisturbed  'mid  perils  of  the  night; 
Some  bruised  or  worse,  and  some  from  wet  and  cold, 
Would  gladly  perish  to  escape  their  plight. 
Two  weary  days  of  ceaseless  wind  and  rain, 
Sheltered  by  fence  or  barn,  were  whiled  away, 
While  messengers  their  chiefs  despatched  again 
For  food,  for  ammunition,  or  for  men 
To  fill  their  place  who  cared  not  longer  stay; 
Many  mere  volunteers  to  go  and  come 
Sought  safer  shelter,  hurrying  to  their  home. 
Still  poured  the  rain ;  their  three  days'  rations  wet, 
Their  powder  spoilt,  their  muskets  specked  with  rust, 
The  sturdiest  veteran  well  might  chafe  and  fret, 
That  better  days  would  come,  might  lose  his  trust. 
Their  troubled  souls  their  leader  sought  to  cheer, 


54  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Devised  for  every  want  its  due  relief, 
In  kindly  words  assured  supplies  were  near, 
Their  great  discomfort  must  of  needs  be  brief; 
These  misadventures  were  the  chance  of  war, 
Their  fprtitude  would  reap  its  due  reward, 
Would  make  their  glory  and  desert  the  more, 
Foes  be  dismayed,  their  countrymen  applaud ; 
The  end  attained,  the  future  would  recount 
Their  present  hardships,  and  with  equal  pride 
The  dangers,  toils,  the  conquerors  surmount, 
Their  patient  firmness  whatsoe'er  betide. 

Before  proceeding  on  their  onward  course 

To  learn  the  ground,  reconnoissance  in  force 

Pushed  down  the  island,  led  by  Livingston, 

To  near  the  outposts  of  the  garrison. 

From  the  high  ground  that  overlooked  each  fort 

And  all  the  approaches  to  the  guarded  port, 

Perchance  some  fleet  upon  the  distant  sea 

Might  tell  if  fleet  of  France  were  hovering  near, 

Or  Howe  or  Byron  in  the  offing  be 

At  unexpected  moment  to  appear. 

But  far  as  eye  could  range  no  ships  in  view 

To  affect  the  arrangements  for  the  morrow's  route ; 

His  end  accomplished,  Livingston  withdrew, 

Each  point  examined  by  experienced  scout. 


THE  MARCH.  55 

In  case  the  British  general  decides 
Dispute  their  progress,  seek  by  ambuscade 
To  take  at  disadvantage,  Sullivan  provides 
That  at  each  moment  of  their  onward  way 
The  army,  or  each  separate  brigade, 
The  whole  or  part,  in  order  due  displayed 
To  meet  the  enemy  if  inclined  to  fight ; 
And  'mid  the  tangle  of  the  country  farms 
Commit  the  issue  to  the  test  of  arms. 

With  the  first  sunshine  all  that  proud  array, 
Their  woes  forgotten  and  their  hopes  elate, 
With  sturdy  heart  and  tread  pursue  their  way, 
Their  trust  in  Providence  and  not  in  fate. 

From  times  remote  two  roads  ran  from  the  north, 
Some  distance  from  the  shores,  the  island  down, 
Till  at  a  smithy's  forge  they  issued  forth 
To  form  a  broader  road  towards  the  town. 
The  farms  were  fertile  and  the  winds  were  strong, 
With  moss  and  lichen  clad,  high  walls  of  stone 
Extended  miles  these  thoroughfares  along, 
Or  cross  the  fields,  to  bound  for  each  his  own. 
Each  side  from  road  to  road  the  pioneers 
Level  these  walls  and  open  up  the  ground, 
And  on  each  flank  a  force  each  by-way  clears, 


56  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

All  points  of  vantage  in  the  region  round. 
No  fleet  at  hand  their  progress  on  to  haste, 
They  march  with  prudence,  that  the  volunteers 
Unused  to  burdens  shall  not  vigor  waste 
That  may  be  needed  when  the  foe  is  near. 

The  van  four  of  the  noblest  patriots  led, — 
Varnum  and  Greene  and  Glover  and  Cornell ; 
Though  long  since  numbered  with  the  honored  dead, 
Their  worth  and  deeds  their  country's  annals  tell. 
Greene,  who  commands  his  kinsman's  own  brigade, 
With  Prescott  fought  on  Bunker's  storied  height, 
With  Arnold  at  Quebec,  and  late  had  made 
Gallant  defence  of  Redbank  'gainst  the  might 
Of  Donop  and  his  host,  four  hundred  slain ; 
Varnum,  the  best  of  soldiers,  best  of  friends, 
With  every  virtue  and  without  a  stain, 
Sagacious  statesman,  able  advocate; 
Amphibious  Glover  fortune  ever  sends 
To  ferry  troops  imperilled  to  the  main, 
Trenton  and  Yorktown  victories  to  gain, 
This  last  where  strife  for  independence  ends. 
The  second  line  the  generous  Hancock  guides 
With  Lovell,  Whipple,  Tyler,  and  Revere, 
And  near  the  centre  the  commander  rides 
To  issue  orders,  —  be,  if  needed,  near. 


THE  MARCH.  57 

Trumbull  and  Marshall,  Lyman  on  his  staff, 
West  closes  up  the  march  with  the  reserve, 
While  Livingston  and  Fleury  and  Laurens, 
Who  special  praise  for  gallantry  deserve, 
Are  everywhere  that  danger  most  impends ; 
Of  the  right  wing  upon  the  western  road 
Greene  has  the  charge ;  of  the  left  upon  the  east 
The  noble  Lafayette,  whose  ardent  veins 
Heroic  pulsed  until  their  currents  ceased. 

That  Saturday  but  six  miles  was  their  stent; 
Headquarters,  Sunday,  Channing's  loved  abode; 
Ere  day  was  over  they  their  course  pursued, 
Part  in  the  fields,  and  part  in  either  road. 
Fort  after  fort  they  pass,  still  unopposed,  — 
All  the  more  warily  for  this  they  went,  — 
Till,  near  the  ground  the  hostile  lines  enclosed, 
They  pitch  their  tents  and  on  their  plans  conclude. 


CANTO   IV 

THE  SIEGE. 

A I  7 HERE  Honeyman  when  raged  the  summer 
VV      tide, 

Berkeley's  kind  friend,  was  wont  at  times  to  dwell, 
The  hill  that  bears  his  name  with  lofty  side 
Served  the  besiegers  for  their  citadel. 
The  advancing  columns  with  the  pick  and  spade 
Throw  up  intrenchments  near  the  hostile  line 
A  league  from  Newport,  where  in  mutual  aid 
The  troops,  hard  pressed,  may  rally  and  combine 
Should  reinforcements  to  the  enemy  — 
Events  beyond  control  —  compel  retreat, 
With  lives  so  precious  placed  in  jeopardy, 
The  cause  itself  endangered  by  defeat; 
Not  far  away  the  frigates  of  the  king 
Command  the  crossing  to  the  eastern  shore, 
From  all  the  main-land  could  fresh  forces  bring, 
Should  aught  untoward  prove  the  need  of  more. 

Gridley,  who  planned  the  works  on  Bunker  Hill, 
At  Dorchester  drove  Howe  to  Halifax ; 


THE  SIEGE.  59 

Who  in  his  earlier  youth  helped  Pepperell 

Take  Louisburg,  the  stronghold  of  the  French ; 

Who  naught  of  science  or  of  genius  lacks 

To  build  the  bastion  or  to  run  the  trench ; 

With  Crane,  whose  untaught  engineering  skill 

Had  often  battered  down  the  needed  breach ; 

Accomplished  Gouvion,  chosen  to  instil 

In  Lafayette  what  Saxe  and  Vauban  teach,  — 

With  these  for  guides,  but  little  chance  to  err, 

Or  be  mistaken  where  they  all  concur. 

Full  seventy  yards  aloft  from  its  broad  brow, 

Two  miles  away  the  ocean  gleams  and  heaves, 

'Twixt  hill  and  sea  lagoon  more  deep  than  now 

Spreads  to  the  beach  and  narrow  passage  leaves ; 

Two  well-armed  bastions  this  beach  command, 

With  strong  intrenchments  the  steep  hillside  crown, 

The  waste  of  life,  to  storm  them  would  demand, 

Dissuaded  here  assault  upon  the  town ; 

Two  lines  of  forts  protect  it  farther  north, 

'Gainst  which  each  night,  under  skilled  engineers, 

Thousands  of  men  at  twilight  sallied  forth 

To  build  some  work  at  morn  complete  appears, 

Constructing  covered  ways  and  parallels, 

Planting  their  mortars  and  their  heavy  guns, 

Till  day  by  day  their  incessant  batter  tells 

The  camp  withdrawn,  the  approaching  peril  shuns. 


60  SIEGE  OF  NEWPORT. 

Where  now  the  smiling  fields  spread  ripe  with  grain, 

And  graceful  villas  deck  the  scene  around, 

Fraternal  hands  the  trampled  herbage  stain, 

The  hissing  shells  tear  up  the  fertile  ground. 

Yet  no  great  carnage  marked  their  onward  way, 

Their  leaders  knew  what  signifies  a  life, 

Their  guns  well  aimed  upon  intrenchments  play, 

Trust  to  their  reason  to  decide  the  strife, 

Assured  capitulation  the  result; 

They  were  not  of  that  sanguinary  race 

In  wholesale  slaughter  with  proud  hearts  exult. 

When  at  the  dawn  of  day  the  longed-for  fleet, 
Though  shorn  and  shattered,  loomed  upon  the  view, 
Americans  its  welcome  advent  greet, 
Rejoiced  at  last  their  sanguine  hopes  come  true. 
Not  so  the  garrison,  —  on  whom,  forlorn, 
A  deeper  gloom  the  approaching  vessels  shed ; 
Their  trusted  works  by  batter  rent  and  torn, 
The  fleet's  return  proclaims  the  doom  they  dread. 
Straitened  for  food,  their  cattle  scarce  and  poor, 
Some  rice  was  left,  their  meal  was  almost  spent ; 
The  fleet  to  fresh  supplies  would  close  the  door, 
The  siege  prolonged  a  cruel  famine  meant. 
Convinced  surrender  near,  they  patient  wait 
The  summons  with  content;   and  had  D'Estaing, 


THE  SIEGE.  6 1 

As  Nelson  bold,  as  bravely  risked  his  fate, 
Won  were  his  laurels,  world  with  plaudits  rang. 
Greene,  Lafayette  on  board,  his  aid  besought, 
Explained  the  progress  then  already  made, 
How  diligently  the  patriot  army  wrought, 
How  wisely  for  success  their  plans  were  laid ; 
The  town  reduced,  his  fleet  would  safely  ride 
In  Narragansett  as  Nantasket  Roads, 
Would  he  but  for  two  days  consent  to  bide, 
Escaped  the  peril  Byron's  fleet  forbodes. 
Their  prayers  in  vain,  the  Admiral  disposed 
His  captains,  urged  the  order  of  the  king; 
He  might  not  stay  while  they  were  all  opposed, 
He  hoped  by  land  his  troops  in  aid  to  bring. 

The  Sunday  morn  dawned   dark  with  doubt  and 

cares. 

Byron  or  Howe  might  in  those  waters  seek 
The  Admiral,  fresh  troops  come  unawares, 
To  escape  in  safety  army  prove  too  weak ; 
Not  half  its  numbers  disciplined  in  war, 
Not  fifteen  hundred  had  in  battle  fought, 
Our  choicest  youth  their  maiden  weapons  bore, 
And  even  victory  too  dearly  bought. 
Most  urgent  missives,  trusty  messengers, 
Were  swiftly  sent  the  land  around  for  men, 


62  SIEGE    OF  NEWPORT. 

Though  the  fond  hopes  that  lately  served  to  stir 
Their  patriot  hearts  had  little  influence  then. 
The  chief  his  generals  summoned  to  consult 
What  course  'mid  such  perplexities  were  best ; 
Of  their  deliberations  the  result, 
Each  what  he  thought  wrote  down  at  his  request. 
Greene,  Glover,  Varnum,  Tyler,  all  concur 
With  Whippier  should  the  army  all  remain, 
They  should  the  raising  of  the  siege  defer, 
And  bolder  front  against  the  foe  maintain ; 
All  stores  of  value,  not  at  once  required, 
Sent  up  the  island  or  across  the  strait ; 
Before  the  army  from  the  lines  retired 
They  should  with  tranquil  minds  events  await; 
Perhaps  some  chance  auspicious  yet  may  show, 
Without  endangering  troops  we  ill  could  spare, 
How  we  might  strike  some  unexpected  blow 
Should  garrison  from  their  intrenchments  dare. 
The  attack  most  favored  on  the  foes  right  flank, 
Where  at  right  angles  beach  and  cliff  connect, 
Where  heavy  batteries  along  the  bank 
The  town's  approach  from  enemies  protect. 

Where  now  in  summer's  surf  gay  voices  ring, 

A  happy  throng  of  every  age  disport, 

And  yeasty  breakers  their  refreshment  bring, 


THE  SIEGE,  63 

Pointed  the  batteries  of  these  hillside  forts. 

One,  round  about  a  mansion  large  and  plain, 

The  home  for  generations  of  a  race 

Lords  of  the  beach  and  all  the  vast  domain, 

Of  whom  the  name  still  leaves  some  lingering  trace  ; 

Its  outworks  overhung  the  beetling  crag 

Now  sloped  and  graded  to  a  long  decline ; 

The  old  beach-road  then  curled  enough  to  drag 

Sand-fish  or  sea-weed,  or  drive  home  the  kine. 

This  fort,  which  formed  the  right  of  the  defence, 

Two  miles  or  more  removed  from  the  attack, 

The  enemy  might  well  place  confidence 

In  its  small  guard  to  drive  assailants  back. 

The  plan  proposed,  —  three  hundred  chosen  men 

Embark  on  Sachuest  Beach  by  Paradise, 

Land  in  some  bay  concealed  along  the  cliff, 

In  fog  or  darkness  the  red  house  draw  near, 

And  gathering  on  a  hill  existed  then, 

Trusting  their  bayonets  the  way  would  clear, 

Each  sentinel  dispose  of,  forts  surprise, 

Three  thousand  veterans  speed  along  the  beach, 

By  signal  rocket  of  success  apprise, 

In  twenty  minutes  would  the  fortress  reach; 

Another  rocket  north  of  Tammany 

Would  breed  confusion,  and  the  moment  shown 

To  press  with  vigor  on  the  enemy,  — 


64  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Newport  would  thus  with  ease  become  our  own. 
Cornell  and  Shepherd  thought  this  project  bold ; 
That  when  arrangements  to  withdraw  complete, 
They  should  march  back,  the  northern  earthworks 

hold 

Till  prudent  from  the  island  to  retreat; 
Yet  in  retiring  tempt  the  British  out, 
Inflict  upon  them  all  we  could  of  loss, 
If  at  advantage  possibly  might  rout,  — 
Arranged  for  each  event  the  wisest  course. 
The  disaffection  of  the  German  troops, 
The  noble  Varnum  thought,  in  open  field 
Would  counterpoise  our  want  of  discipline, 
With  not  unequal  numbers  triumph  yield. 
And  sure  such  valiant  gallant  knights  as  he 
Might  snatch  from  multitudes  the  victory, 
In  doughty  deed  or  quest  of  high  emprise 
For  soldiership,  with  heroes  share  the  prize ; 
No  greed  for  fame,  no  dread  of  blame  could  swerve, 
Sincere  intentions  prompted  honest  act; 
Less  caring  to  possess  than  to  deserve 
The  good  opinion  generous  souls  attract; 
Heedless  of  failure  if  the  need  should  be, 
Yet  not  admitting  fate  events  directs, 
With  iron  sceptre  rules  the  universe ; 
No  disappointment  his  strong  will  affects, 


THE  SIEGE.  65 

Glad  to  succeed,  yet  patient  in  reverse, 
No  doubt  disturbs  his  philosophic  soul, 
What  wise  and  proper  all  his  life  control. 

With  the  last  sail  below  the  horizon's  verge 
Vanished  all  hope  of  winning  back  the  town ; 
No  arguments  which  they  had  left  to  urge 
Could  weigh  against  the  orders  of  the  Crown ; 
Their  souls  disheartened,  so  much  labor  lost, 
Their  scant  resources  wasted  thus  in  vain,  — 
Not  then  the  time  to  calculate  the  cost, 
But  strive  each  other's  courage  to  sustain. 
Panic,  confusion,  or  disordered  flight 
Off  of  the  island  would  be  hopeless  rout ; 
Their  only  safety,  readiness  to  fight. 
The  siege  was  pressed  from  bastion  and  redoubt 
With  a  bold  front ;  whatever  might  impede 
Their   active    movements    should    the    foe    come 

forth  — 

Cattle,  artillery,  all  they  did  not  need  — 
Was  sent  without  delay  towards  the  north ; 
Gridley  despatched  with  pioneer  and  gun 
To  fortify  their  camp  nine  days  before, 
The  lines  at  Bristol,  works  at  Tiverton, 
Construct,  if  he  should  think  them  needed  more ; 
The  task  remained,  should  British  fleet  appear 

5 


66  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

With  reinforcements  to  relieve  the  place, 
To  give  his  army  courage,  calm  their  fear, 
That  they  in  safety  may  their  steps  retrace. 

Log-books  jot  down  our  progress  o'er  the  deep, 
The  general  orders,  issued  day  by  day, 
Inform,  direct,  the  army's  record  keep, 
Spur  on  the  bold  and  groundless  fears  allay. 
While  the  ships  lingered,  might  be  entertained 
Some  hope  D'Estaing  would  yield  to  their  request; 
Now  that  of  this  no  single  ray  remained, 
The  minds  of  all  grew  bitter  and  depressed. 
Anxious  lest  some  such  feeling  of  dismay 
Should  tempt  the  volunteers  to  leave  the  camp, 
Knowing  how  much  their  purpose  not  to  stay 
The  generous  ardor  of  the  others  damp, 
Sullivan,  without  concealment  or  reserve, 
In  fitting  words  to  win  their  confidence, 
Expressed    what    in   his    judgement    best    would 

serve 

To  inspire  their  breasts  with  healthier  sentiments, 
And  thus  his  army  in  its  toils  preserve. 

Deep  his  regret  the  sailing  of  the  fleet 
Should  cast  a  shadow  on  his  brave  command ; 
We  hoped  with  France  the  enemy  defeat, 


THE  SIEGE.  67 

Supposed  her  aid  we  rightly  might  demand. 

But  they  were  much  deceived  who  should  suppose 

Our  force  in  peril,  that  they  chose  to  go ; 

The  British  force  the  opposing  lines  enclose, 

Our  number  to  their  own  superior  know. 

So  long  as  bravely  glows  each  manly  breast 

With  patriot  ardor,  with  its  sacred  flame, 

No  part  the  island  which  we  now  possessed 

We  need  give  up,  unless  some  squadron  came ; 

Not  in  an  instant  such  events  take  place, 

Our  scouts  watch  for  their  coming  along  shore, 

We  from  the  offing  can  their  progress  trace, 

Anticipate  their  coming  long  before 

Time  will  be  requisite  to  reach  the  port, 

To  furl  their  sails,  to  drop  their  anchors  down, 

To  disembark  their  troops,  the  lines  to  reach 

In  numbers  that  were  equal  to  our  own. 

Every  event  that  possibly  can  chance 

Has  been  considered  preparations  made 

Even  to  retreat  without  precipitance 

Should  prudence  to  a  prompt  retreat  persuade. 

With  great  surprise  your  General  has  learned 

That  many  volunteers  propose  to  leave, 

And  throw  away  the  honors  they  have  earned, — 

A  lasting  proof  their  imperilled  country  give 

Of  want  of  firmness  and  of  bravery. 


68  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

With  all  despatch  against  the  garrison 

The  approaches  will  be  pressed  with  vigor  on ; 

He  knows  the  value  to  America 

Of  the  brave  officers,  soldiers,  citizens, 

Whom  now  he  has  the  honor  to  command ; 

She  shall  not  by  rash  step  of  his  incur 

The  slightest  risk  of  sacrificing  men 

Whose  safety  is  important  to  the  land ; 

Let  them  but  place  implicit  confidence 

In  their  commander,  upon  whom  devolves 

This  sacred  charge,  under  kind  Providence, 

Which  in  its  wisdom  what  shall  come  resolves. 

He  feels  assurance  the  event  will  show 

Americans  by  their  own  arms  obtain 

What  their  allies  refuse  them  help  to  gain. 

Truth  may  be  bitter,  yet  still  opportune 

Balm  to  the  angry  mood  provoked  by  wrong; 

Rankling,  it  reached  its  mark,  and  D'Estaing  soon 

Promised  to  come  forthwith,  four  thousand  strong. 

The  orders  not  addressed  to  rank  and  file, 

But  read  to  officers  of  each  brigade, 

Were  not  designed  their  allies  to  revile, 

But  in  the  crisis,  soldiers  reconcile 

To  fight  their  fight  without  the  promised  aid. 

Deserters,  feigned,  came  from  the  town  as  spies 


THE  SIEGE.  69 

To  learn  what  said,  intended,  planned,  or  thought ; 
Pigott  admits  he  could  no  means  devise 
To  obtain  the  information  that  he  sought. 
These   winged   words,    passed    on    from    tent    to 

tent, 

The  brave  encouraged,  but  the  weak  dismayed; 
Conveyed  to  angry  minds  much  more  than  meant. 
Few  but  believed  that  they  had  been  betrayed ; 
Both  Lafayette  and  Fleury,  well  aware 
How  quick  their  countrymen  to  take  offence, 
Urged  that  his  words  interpretation  bear 
Significance  far  other  than  their  sense. 
Though  feeling  what  he  said  was  justified, 
Unwilling  to  refuse  such  faithful  friends, 
With  their  request  the  General  complied, 
Thus  two  days  later  sought  to  make  amends. 

Removed  his  heavier  guns,  secured  his  stores, 

An  easy,  safe  retreat  in  case  of  need, 

Before  a  succoring  fleet  could  reach  these  shores, 

Compel  us  quit  positions  that  we  hold, 

All  of  the  island,  any  part,  concede, 

He  had  reason  to  believe  the  French,  returned, 

In  its  reduction  would  with  us  proceed, 

The  honor  of  its  conquest  jointly  earned. 

Great  his  surprise,  by  friends  he  valued,  told 


70  SIEGE  OF  NEWPORT. 

His  previous  orders  thought  to  intimate 
Departure  of  the  fleet,  showed  fixed  design 
No  more  to  help  us  in  our  enterprise. 
Ungenerous,  illiberal  minds  assign 
Interpretations  not  a  word  implies 
To  what  he  said  in  orders  of  that  day. 
He  would  not  leave  least  color  to  malign  ; 
Not  his  to  know  the  instructions  of  the  king, 
Determine  if  the  French  obliged  to  go ; 
His  only  wish  that  favoring  winds  might  bring 
Them  back,  with  us  to  strike  the  final  blow, 
Attention  and  regard  our  compact  pay, 
Add  to  the  obligations  that  we  owe, 
Their  constant  acts  of  kindness  on  us  lay, 
Throughout  the  contest  from  its  earliest  day, 
At  this  propitious  time  their  friendship  show. 
He  would  once  more  express  his  deep  regret 
Many  refuse  to  stay  are  free  to  go, 
And  at  this  time,  most  critical,  forget 
The  sacrifices  we  our  country  owe. 
They  err,  assume  that  nothing  can  be  done 
Unless  by  siege,  our  object  to  effect; 
Our  force  outnumbers  still  the  garrison ; 
Let  all  that  may,  before  too  late,  reflect 
Such  as  await  with  patience  the  event, 
Whatever  course  the  wisest  to  pursue 


THE  SIEGE.  /I 

• 

The  island  to  reduce,  and  stay  content, 
Will  win  most  credit,  to  the  cause  be  true. 

While  hopes  delusive  smiled,  the  waverers,  stirred 
By  generous  ardor,  still  content  to  stay ; 
Three  neighbors  of  the  chief,  the  attack  deferred, 
Approach  at  night  the  sentinels,  unheard, 
Two  badly  wound,  and  yet  another  slay; 
The  alarum  sounds,  and  to  the  rescue  rush 
An  Anspach  outpost  near,  who,  on  the  alert, 
Familiar  with  the  ground  their  quarry  flush, 
Escape  cut  off,  and  capture  them  unhurt; 
Another  force,  when  venturing  too  near 
To  Fanning's  quarters,  like  disaster  met; 
While  Hessians,  foraging  devoid  of  fear, 
Found  themselves  prisoners,  but  with  feigned  regret ; 
Tired  of  constant  toil  and  scanty  fare, 
Disgusted  with  the  cause  for  which  they  fought, 
Strong,  fierce  to  fight,  of  peerless  hardihood, 
They  felt  the  shame  of  being  sold  and  bought. 
Chafing  as  slaves,  in  such  close  prison  pent, 
With  aught  that  eased  such  galling  chains  content, 
If  our  new  levies  had  to  war  been  trained, 
If  all  our  troops  been  veteran  like  the  rest, 
Against  such  lukewarm  foes  Newport  were  gained, 
The  tyrant's  tread  no  more  the  country  pressed. 


72  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Three  British  ships  on  Thursday  gain  the  port, 
The  harbingers  of  hundreds  on  the  way; 
Three  thousand  men,  their  patience  spent,  report 
Their  intent  to  quit  the  camp  at  break  of  day. 
The  chief  well  knew  what  effort  it  had  cost 
To  bring  his  troops  equipped  so  far  afield, 
How  grieved  the  country  at  such  efforts  lost, 
If  ground  so  bravely  won  compelled  to  yield ; 
Troubled,  yet  not  depressed,  one  effort  more : 
Turning  to  Lafayette,  his  faithful  friend, 
Besought  him  speed  to  Boston  and  implore 
D'Estaing  at  once  four  thousand  troops  to  send, 
That  they  might  thus  the  northern  forts  retain 
And,  reinforced,  the  land  now  lost  regain. 

The  gallant  marquis,  generous  as  brave, 
Required  no  urgent  prayer  to  mount  his  steed ; 
Rode  seventy  miles  in  seven  hours  to  save 
The  cause  his  own  now  in  its  direst  need. 

In  consultation  as  the  day  went  on, 

Aware  each  shifting  breeze  might  bring  a  fleet, 

Their  numbers  then  less  than  the  garrison, 

To  make  more  difficult  their  safe  retreat, 

The  generals  reluctantly  decide, 

All  circumstances  justified  been  done, 


THE  SIEGE.  73 

The  works  still  pressed,  the  enemy  defied, 
Their  preparations  make  at  set  of  sun ; 
Without  confusion  when  the  night  set  down, 
Leaving  no  spoil  to  glut  the  foeman's  pride, 
Their  progress  unmolested  from  the  town, 
The  island's  length  their  phantom  forces  glide 
For  five  short  hours ;  when  on  the  sloping  side 
Of  Butts's  Hill  they  lay  them  down  to  rest, 
And  sleep,  well  earned,  the  slumbers  of  the  blest. 


CANTO 

THE   BATTLE. 

A  T  flush  of  morn,  to  Hessians  on  the  wall 

The  scene  looked  strange,  and  no  reveille  beat, 
No  stir  or  morning  gun,  but,  silent,  all 
Doubt  what  portends,  or  battle  or  retreat ; 
The  sergeant  of  the  guard  to  council  called, 
They  soon  concluded  to  apprise  the  chief. 
Sir  Robert  came,  not  wholly  unappalled, 
No  ships  yet  signalled  with  the  hoped  relief; 
But  when  the  sun  displayed  its  welcome  disk, 
And  all  betokened  the  besiegers  gone, 
His  duty  clear,  whatever  were  the  risk, 
To  learn  without  delay  what  should  be  done, 
He  ordered  Prescott  cross  the  narrow  strand 
To  send  a  regiment  from  his  second  line, 
To  flank  the  rebels'  left,  for  Brown's  command 
Should  occupy  the  abandoned  works  assign ; 
Smith's  five  battalions  speedily  pursue 
Along  the  eastern  road  the  flying  foe ; 
Along  the  west  the  Hessian  chasseurs  flew ; 
Voit  and  Seaboth's  Anspach  soldiers  speed, 


THE  BATTLE.  75 

Under  Losberg  at  double-quick  proceed, 
To  annoy  the  retreating  rebels  as  they  go. 

The  course  that  Pigott  took  not  unforeseen, 
When  morning's  dawn  their  midnight  march  be 
trayed, 

Sullivan  posts  an  ample  force  between 
The  town  and  where  his  slumbering  army  rest ; 
Livingston's  light  corps,  selected  from  the  best, 
Three  miles  in  front  of  where  the  army  laid, 
Guarded  the  eastern  road  'gainst  Smith's  brigade ; 
Laurens  with  Henry  Talbot  block  the  west; 
In  rear  of  both  the  picket  under  Wade. 
In  force  sufficient,  should  be  need  for  aid, 
Or  wiser  deemed  their  forces  to  unite, 
A  corps  despatched  this  object  to  attain 
That  they  might  with  the  more  advantage  fight. 
'T  is  said  at  early  morn  begun  the  fight 
Closed  with  the  bayonet  charge  before  the  night. 
Talbot,  of  race  not  backward  in  the  fray, 
Charged  on  the  Hessian  horse  two  leagues  from  town, 
Pushing  upon  the  west  their  upward  way, 
Driving  them  back  disordered  on  their  own, 
The  brave  Laurens,  with  his  selected  force, 
From  every  knoll  and  wall  a  galling  fire 
Poured  out  on  front  and  flank  of  man  and  horse, 


76  SIEGE  OF  NEWPORT. 

Then,  as  concerted,  farther  back  retire. 
Smith  on  the  right,  hearing  the  volleys  roar 
One  half  the  Twenty-second  sends  in  aid,  — 
Campbell,  and  since  McCullum  More, 
What  scion  of  his  brave  and  gallant  stock 
Such  call  to  duty  ever  disobeyed, 
Or  met  reluctantly  the  battle's  shock? 

Beyond  where  Channing  dwelt  in  pious  love 
For  human  kind  of  every  tint  and  land, 
A  broad  domain  of  pasture,  field,  and  grove 
In  part  still  sacred  to  his  Lord's  command, 
Crossed  from  the  east  to  west  a  narrow  lane, 
And  from  that  cross-road  opened  yet  a  fourth 
Bounding  with  massive  walls  a  field  of  grain, 
With  broken  surface  rising  to  the  north ; 
Behind  these  walls,  with  here  and  there  a  gap, 
Wade  part  his  picket  placed  in  ambuscade, 
That  there  he  might  the  enemy  entrap ; 
Laurens  or  Livingston,  if  needed,  aid. 
Campbell  with  quickening  footsteps  pressing  on 
To  help  the  Germans  fighting  on  the  left, 
His  column  turning  from  the  early  sun, 
Plunged  rank  on  rank  into  the  narrow  cleft 
All  unsuspecting,  as  along  the  road, 
Behind  these  walls  above  their  heads  concealed, 


THE  BATTLE.  f 

Sharpshooters  fire  and  speedily  reload, 
And  ere  their  peril  to  the  rear  revealed, 
Wrapped  in  the  smoke  aloft,  from  off  the  bank 
Make  havoc  of  their  crowded,  helpless  foes, 
Pouring  their  bullets  into  rear  and  flank, 
Surprised,  disordered,  by  these  unseen  blows. 
Incensed,  provoked,  the  British  climb  the  slope; 
The  walls  were  high,  deadly  the  rifles'  aim ; 
The  battle  surges  off,  since  vain  to  cope 
With  marksmen  slew  all  in  their  vision  came. 
One  fourth  the  British  fell  no  more  to  rise ; 
More  blest  who  killed  outright,  than  wounded  dies. 

In  battle  trained,  Pigott's  quick  ear  detects 
Its  shifting  tide ;  scouts  tell  him  what  occurs ; 
Fanning's  Provincials  he  at  once  collects, 
Sends  to  relieve  the  beaten-back  chasseurs ; 
Thus  reinforced,  they  gathered  all  their  strength 
And  press  Laurens,  who  steadily  withdraws. 
Driven  from  one  redoubt,  he  gains  at  length 
Another  breastwork  farther  up  the  shores ; 
Here  for  a  while  he  more  than  held  his  own, 
Though  ardent  his  desire  to  attack, 
Then,  ordered  by  his  chief,  fell  fighting  back, 
His  march  with  bleeding  foemen  strown; 
The  lady  bright  whose  spouse  for  freedom  fought, 


78  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

And  through  the  siege  remained  within  the  town, 
Tells  us  what  crowds  of  wounded  soldiers  brought, 
Fearing  to  find  among  the  rest  her  own. 

The  combat  thickens ;  all  along  the  lines 

Pigott  speeds  reinforcements  to  the  front, 

The  Fifty-fourth  and  part  of  Brown's  and  Huyn's 

To  Smith,  who  on  the  right  now  bears  the  brunt. 

Smith  sends  him  word  the  foes  on  Quaker  Hill 

Its  southern  slopes  with  solid  masses  fill ; 

Sullivan  had  despatched,  to  help  his  own, 

One  regiment  to  Laurens,  one  to  Livingston, 

With  orders  to  fall  back,  yet  fighting  still, 

To  the  main  force,  which  they  effect  with  skill. 

Greene's  first  advice,  to  leave  the  ground  they  held 

And  fight  the  battle  where  this  contest  fought ; 

But  the  new  levies  in  the  force  compelled 

More  prudent  counsel  upon  second  thought; 

If  not  in  strength  with  thrice  their  numbers  cope, 

Or  hold  for  long  the  whole  right  wing  at  bay 

Like  a  fierce  bloodhound  at  a  tiger's  throat, 

The  light  corps  still  their  onward  progress  stay. 

At  length,  as  reinforcements  reached  the  ground, 

And  Sullivan  called  Livingston  away, 

Smith  pushing  boldly  on  before  him,  found 

Glover's  sea-veterans  ready  to  attack, 


THE  BATTLE.  79 

Who  charged  his  serried  mass  and  many  slew. 
Both  sides  fought  bravely,  or  to  gain  or  keep, 
As  breast  to  breast  they  struggled  on  the  steep. 

Fierce  was  the   onslaught;    Smith,   forced   slowly 

back, 

Behind  the  lines  of  Quaker  Hill  withdrew; 
Losberg,  his  Germans  worsted,  weary,  worn, 
Harassed  by  Laurens  since  the  early  morn, 
Rejoiced  at  last  to  find  a  moment's  rest 
Where  Anthony  and  Turkey,  sides  and  crest, 
Extend  their  ridges  to  the  north  and  west. 
In  front,  half  league  away,  on  Butts  displayed, 
Sullivan  marshalled  his  five  thousand  men, 
Reserves  a  thousand  yards  behind,  arrayed 
Near  Howland's  Ferry,  which  he  meant  to  cross 
Should  chance  the  British  fleet,  expected  then, 
Expose  his  army  to  too  serious  loss. 
Right  of  his  front  and  nearer  to  the  bay, 
Armed  with  large  guns,  stood  a  strong  bastion 
To  guard  his  flank  and  drive  all  ships  away, 
WTith  one  stanch  regiment  for  its  garrison. 
Between  the  hostile  lines  a  meadow  land, 
With  scattered  trees  and  copse  in  valleys  spread, 
Where  soon  fierce  foemen,  fighting  hand  to  hand, 
Each  other's  blood  in  copious  streamlets  shed. 


8O  SIEGE  OF  NEWPORT. 

About  three  hours  to  noon,  when  all  was  still, 
A  booming  gun  pealed  from  the  British  right; 
Its  echoes  lost  as  forth  from  hill  to  hill 
Responsive  batteries  ushered  in  the  fight; 
From  either  army  skirmishers  thrown  out 
Like  skilful  swordsmen  in  some  deadly  fray, 
In  feint  and  thrust  and  parry  turned  and  closed, 
Cautious  alike  no  vital  point  exposed ; 
Each  strives  his  foe,  when  off  his  guard,  to  slay, 
So  now  the  combatants  by  every  wile, 
The  other  from  the  cover  of  his  guns 
Endeavored  by  some  stratagem  beguile ; 
Sullivan,  hoping  some  advantage  gain, 
Tempting  his  enemy  to  the  open  plain 
Towards  the  ferry,  or  to  quit  the  isle. 

Midst    clouds    of   smoke    that    darkened    all    the 

skies, 

Two  ships  of  war  and  smaller  craft  appear ; 
Crane,  all  too  shrewd  and  wary  for  surprise 
As  to  effect  their  object  they  drew  near, 
His  heavy  guns  from  two  masked  batteries 
Drove  off  afar  their  useless  cannonade, 
Designed,  our  flanks  exposed,  to  enfilade, 
As,  under  cover  of  these  guns  afloat, 
The  British  meant  to  cut  off  our  retreat; 


THE  BATTLE.  8 1 

They  now  their  thoughts  and  all  their  might  devote 
To  take  these  batteries  their  plans  defeat. 

Down  Anthony,  with  strong  and  rapid  sweep, 
British  and  Hessians  push  for  the  redoubt, 
But  little  glory  win,  advantage  reap ; 
From  Greene  they  met  resistance  firm  and  stout; 
Greene,  Varnum,  Glover,  Cornell,  wise  and  brave, 
Stemmed  the  massed  torrent  in  its  onward  rush, 
Slowly  but  sternly  turned  the  mighty  wave, 
Then  part  by  part  its  several  fragments  crush ; 
Here,  side  by  side,  lay  sixty  British  dead, 
There  thirty  Hessians  slain  not  far  away, 
The  emerald  turf  about  with  carnage  red,  — 
Men  stricken  down  who  had  not  time  to  pray. 
Disordered,  disarranged,  in  helpless  rout, 
The  foemen  rallied  at  their  leader's  call, 
And,  trained  to  war,  they  briskly  turn  about, 
Regain  their  lines  and  into  order  fall. 
Disheartened,  not  dismayed,  more  caution  taught, 
Their    comrades    slain    inflame    their    souls   with 

wrath ; 

Field  batteries,  with  dire  destruction  fraught, 
To  their  revenge  are  brought  to  clear  the  path. 
This  was  a  game  at  which  both  sides  could  play; 
Our  own  artillerists  well  their  lesson  knew,  — 

6 


82  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT, 

Wherever  quivering  leaves  approach  betray, 
The  shells  and  shrapnel  on  their  errand  flew. 

Again  sweep  down  with  more  discretion  led, 

Hessians,  resolved  this  time  the  outwork  take, 

Off  to  their  left  towards  the  water  spread, 

Nor  know  what  danger  lurks  in  every  brake ; 

To  enslave  their  brethren,  Briton's  purchased  braves, 

Germans  and  Indians  to  destroy  and  spoil, 

Led  on  by  Ward,  our  manumitted  slaves 

Helped  much  that  day  the  British  plan  to  foil. 

Posted  behind  a  thicket  in  the  vale, 

Thrice  down  the  slope  the  Hessians  on  them  charge  ; 

The  sable  warriors  ply  their  shot  like  hail, 

Gap  upon  gap  in  Hessian  ranks  enlarge ; 

So  many  wounded  and  so  many  slain, 

The  German  Colonel  urged  his  men  in  vain ; 

Convinced  at  last  no  effort  would  avail, 

He  marched  them  to  the  trenches  back  again, 

The  next  day  seeking,  so  we  're  told  the  tale, 

To  exchange  commands,  lest,  if  his  own  retained. 

Of  his  own  men  he  should  be  made  the  targe. 

With  hearts  cast  down  and  garments  stained  with 

gore, 
With  ranks  that  tell  of  many  comrades  dead, 


THE   BATTLE.  83 

Existence  sweet  the  thought  of  all  before, 

Of  wife  and  child  whom  they  may  see  no  more, 

Well  might  the  bravest  breast  inspire  with  dread. 

War  is  a  sport  that  plays  with  human  lives 

To  please  the  vanity  or  glut  the  greed ; 

Little  care  kings  how  many  widowed  wives, 

How  many  better  men  in  battle  bleed, 

So  long  as  victory  perch  upon  their  side, 

And  others'  misery  gratify  their  pride ; 

The  conquest  theirs,  for  them  the  laurels  claimed ; 

For  officers'  promotion  or  disgrace, 

And  best  and  bravest  oft  unjustly  blamed ; 

Pensions  make  slight  amends  for  soldiers  maimed ; 

The  winning  nation  in  the  bloody  race 

Finds  freedom  bartered  for  mere  pelf  and  place ; 

Still  where  the  cause  to  cast  such  thraldom  off, 

To  win  for  ages  liberty  and  law, 

Power  may  contemn,  its  myrmidons  may  scoff, 

Mankind,  enfranchised,  justifies  the  war. 

For  no  such  cause  did  Hess  or  Briton  fight, 

But  to  subject  to  an  unwilling  yoke 

A  gallant  people  battling  for  their  right, 

For  sacred  compacts  their  oppressors  broke. 

No  time  was  lost;   reorganized,  their  force 
In  all  its  strength  arrayed,  descends  the  hills, 


84  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Its  left  towards  the  fort  directs  its  course, 

Its  right  the  valley  by  Seconnet  fills. 

With  prudent  caution  led,  and  steady  tread, 

Each  breast  with  generous  resentment  fired, 

Their  bold  array  might  well  have  filled  with  dread 

Foes  by  less  sacred  sentiments  inspired. 

From  all  the  crests  the  angry  cannons  roar, 

Reverberating  round  from  every  shore ; 

Their  iron  missiles,  hurtled  through  the  smoke. 

Upon  the  advancing  mass  their  havoc  pour; 

As  midst  its  ranks  the  shells  in  fragments  broke, 

Men  stagger,  fall,  are  carried  to  the  rear. 

The  enemy  advance,  and  rebels  near 
Halt,  aim,  and  fire,  and  speedily  reload, 
And  then  again  with  quickened  footsteps  move, 
The  ground  beneath  their  feet  with  dead  men  strowed 
By  skilful  marksmen,  who  each  chance  improve 
To  lay  them  low  as  proudly  on  they  strode. 
As  now  in  fuller  view  they  reach  the  base 
Of  the  steep  slopes  on  which  the  rebels  stand, 
Deploy  in  lines  as  if  upon  parade, 
Fire,  and  load  at  foemen  close  at  hand ; 
Both  armies  front  to  front  and  face  to  face, 
The  hostile  lines  upon  the  mead  below, 
Through   the  dense  smoke  but   sorry  marksmen 
make; 


THE  BATTLE.  85 

The  Americans  the  slope  and  distance  know, 
Their  balls  of  death  their  course  appointed  take ; 
The  stricken  ranks,  disordered  and  appalled 
Must  needs  have  fallen  into  rout  again, 
When  "  Close  your  ranks,  push  on ! "  each  captain 

called, 

Nor  midst  the  crash  of  battle  heard  in  vain. 
Renewed  their  ardor,  they  their  chiefs  obey, 
Speeding  their  steps,  for  so  the  danger  less, 
Climb  the  steep  hill-side,  on  with  vigor  press, 
Yet  ever  find  Greene's  veterans  in  their  way ; 
The  well-served  batteries  down  their  comrades  mow, 
The  withering  musketry  shrivels  like  a  scroll ; 
They  frantic  rush  to  give  back  blow  for  blow, 
While  every  volley  other  death-knells  toll. 
As  hungry  wolves  that  raven  for  their  food, 
Infuriate  lioness  plundered  of  her  whelp, 
With  desperate  valor  and  with  purpose  fell, 
With  bayonets  fixed,  some  trust  in  sword  and  ball, 
In  one  vast  compact  mass,  with  shout  and  yell 
They  gain  the  heights  and  on  the  rebels  fall. 

Vain  beats  the  sea  against  the  rooted  rock. 
With  weapons  ready  and  with  mind  composed 
The  patriots  dauntless  met  the  coming  shock, 
And  with  their  foes  in  mutual  slaughter  closed. 


86  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

It  was  a  desperate  struggle,  and  both  sides 

Lost  heavily  the  men  they  least  could  spare ; 

Death  on  the  smoke,  his  palest  courser,  rides, 

And  many  nobly  die  who  nobly  dare. 

The  gallant  Varnum,  valiant  paladin, 

Lost  largest  in  the  thickest  of  the  fray, 

But  the  like  courage  all  the  line  displayed ; 

Cornell's,  and  Glover's,  and  Greene's  own  brigade 

Though  hotly  pressed,  still  resolute  to  win, 

Hold  fast  the  British  veterans  at  bay, 

Whose  furious  onsets,  when  repulsed,  renewed. 

With  little  hope  most  clearly  signified, 

Their  main  design  their  leaders  still  pursued. 

For  as  in  front  attention  occupied, 

The  key  to  the  position  that  they  sought 

Was  not  so  much  a  victory  over  Greene, 

As  seize  the  water  batteries  and  fort, 

Which  guard  our  right  and  all  the  space  between, 

Hold  at  safe  distance  all  their  guns  afloat 

On  which  they  trust  to  cut  off  our  retreat, 

And  which  these  batteries  kept  too  far  remote 

To  harm,  unless  arrived  the  expected  fleet. 

The  combat  thickened,  every  officer 
Kept  well  in  hand  the  soldiers  that  he  led, 
Who  to  his  will  implicitly  defer, 


THE  BATTLE.  87 

On  him  rely  till  life's  last  drop  be  shed. 

Each  but  a  part  of  one  grand,  perfect  whole, 

All  guided  by  one  judgment,  on  one  plan, 

Whose  quick  conceptions  all  the  rest  control, 

The  general  movement,  individual  man, 

As  proved  the  event  though  oft  the  ranks  disturbed, 

At  times  confused  the  orderly  array, 

Each  his  own  men,  when  too  impulsive,  curbed, 

Or  animates  as  mingled  in  the  fray; 

As  bloodhounds  leashed,  impatient  to  be  loosed, 

Their  thoughtful  leaders  cautious  not  to  waste 

One  single  life  that  can  be  safely  spared, 

No  end  imperilled  by  untempered  haste, 

Officers  and  men  the  common  danger  shared. 

Indeed,  while  raged  this  struggle  on  the  hill, 

The  Hessians  on  the  west  the  fort  assail 

In  so  great  numbers,  such  determined  will, 

It  seemed  as  if  such  efforts  must  avail. 

The  General  all  the  issues  of  the  fight 

With  thoughtful  yet  with  tranquil  mind  observed, 

Knows  well  the  moment  to  put  forth  his  might, 

And  speeds  a  regiment,  for  such  chance  preserved, 

Of  Continentals,  veterans  in  war, 

Who  oft  before  had  borne  the  battle's  brunt, 

And  ardent,  fresh,  around  the  hill-side  wind 

With  needed  succor,  to  the  struggling  front. 


88  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Reposing  from  their  vigils  of  the  night 
In  the  cool  shadows  of  the  sheltering  hill, 
While  on  its  sunny  slopes  thus  raged  the  fight, 
Livingston  and  his  vanguard  slumbered  still. 
No  battle's  roar  disturbed  them  as  they  slept, 
Unconsciously  his  clutch  upon  his  sword ; 
As  tired  hound  in  sleep  pursues  the  chase, 
Or  baited  bull  the  horse  and  rider  gores, 
His  fitful  dreams  his  morning  fights  retrace, 
His  hard-pressed  ranks  to  order  due  restores ; 
Then  his  loved  Hudson  o'er  his  vision  creeps, 
His  distant  wife  clings  fond  to  his  embrace, 
Or  sits  in  lonely  silence,  smiles  and  weeps, 
Or  for  his  safety  Providence  implores. 
As  thus  his  limbs  their  lusty  strength  renew, 
His  comrades  share  in  his  well-earned  repose; 
The  healthy  blood  in  wonted  courses  flew, 
The  patriot  breast  with  generous  ardor  glows ; 
And  when  the  summons  calls  them  to  the  front, 
Each  from  his  lair,  equipped,  with  vigor  leapt, 
Each  to  his  post  with  proud  elation  stept 
And  rushed,  refreshed,  to  bear  the  battle's  brunt. 

These  roused,  his  left  Sullivan  timely  sent 
To  assail  the  right  flank  of  the  enemy, 
By  their  impetuosity  enmeshed, 


THE  BATTLE.  89 

ret, pressing  west  towards  the  battery; 
lien  all  that  August  noon,  of  kindred  race 
5oth  armies,  by  experienced  generals  led, 
In  that  contracted  vale  and  narrow  space, 
With  dauntless  resolution  fought  and  bled. 
The  cannonade  still  thundering  on  the  hill 
To  help  their  own,  the  enemy  dismay, 
The  guns  afloat  with  ineffective  fire, 
Dun  with  its  pall  of  smoke,  the  welkin  fill, 
And  crackling  muskets  solemn  requiem  play 
As  men,  shot  down,  with  bitter  groans  expire. 
The  British  ships,  deluded,  near  the  shore, 
Their  heavy  broadsides  batter  on  the  fort; 
Our  batteries  respond  with  fiercer  roar 
Till,  pierced  and  rent,  the  ships  can  do  no  more, 
And  safer  mooring  in  the  distance  sought. 
The  sable  troops  still  hold  their  wooded  knoll 
Where  Hessians  slain  lay  weltering  in  their  gore ; 
From  sea  to  sea  incessant  volleys  roll 
From  the  Seconnet,  where  the  Grenadiers 
On  raw  recruits  their  heavy  onslaught  bore, 
Along  the  slopes  where  Butts  its  summit  rears, 
And  Smith  and  Greene  their  angry  battle  waged, 
Off  to  the  bay  where  Losberg  fumed  and  raged 
To  take  the  fort  beside  the  western  shore. 
That  torrid  noon,  that  crowded  battle-field 


90  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Unfanned  by  breezes,  unrefreshed  by  rain, 

No  time  for  rest  their  constant  movements  yield. 

Soldiers  athirst  for  water  thirst  in  vain ; 

The  martinets  of  England  stiffly  clad, 

Their  allies  for  parade  and  less  for  war, 

All  that  long  day  but  slight  refreshment  had ; 

In  haversack  each  man  his  rations  bore, 

Their  moistening  drops  the  canteens  yield  no  more. 

The  rustic  patriots  cast  their  coats  aside 

And  fight  the  battle  with  their  limbs  left  free, 

Their  scant  supplies  brought  over  on  the  tide ; 

They  need  not  much,  their  lives  in  jeopardy; 

Weary,  enhungered,  not  for  them  to  care 

So  long  as  they  the  victory  may  gain, 

Content  if  Providence  their  lives  shall  spare, 

Or,  if  the  cause  demands,  not  spent  in  vain. 

The  stream  that  gurgles  through  yon  neighboring 

glade 

From  tramp  of  busy  feet  ran  turbid  then, 
Its  heated  flow  nor  feverish  thirst  allayed, 
Nor  soothed  the  anguished  brows  of  dying  men; 
The  lurid  sun,  through  canopies  of  smoke, 
Glowed  like  a  furnace  on  their  aching  sense, 
And  sulphurous  fumes  and  dusty  vapors  choke 
The  few  last  moments  left  for  penitence ; 
Yet  no  regrets  their  passing  moments  cloud,  — 


THE  BATTLE,  91 

Death  for  their  country,  death  for  freedom's  cause, 
The  smoke  of  battle  for  their  honored  shroud, 
A  grateful  nation,  and  the  world's  applause 
Are  all  they  ask  as,  sinking  to  their  rest, 
Their  eyes  refreshed  reopen  on  the  blest. 

Long  sorely  pressed,  at  last  Greene  forces  back 
The  restless  swarm,  that  strives  and  strives  again 
To  find  some  point  more  vulnerable  to  attack ; 
As  oft  repulsed,  and  all  their  struggles  vain, 
No  marvel  that  the  sturdiest  spirit  droops 
Amidst  such  strife,  such  suffering  and  toil ; 
The  most  intrepid  of  the  hostile  troops 
Waver,  fall  back  from  charge,  again  recoil, 
Four  rebel  regiments  now  hold  in  check 
Their  further  onslaughts.     Another,  trained  to  war, 
Swoops  here  and  there  upon  their  hopeless  wreck 
Where  least  expected ;  there  it  smites  them  sore. 

Against  our  left  Pigott  his  whole  reserves 

Paraded  on  the  slopes  of  Quaker  Hill ; 

As  now  in  peril  his  best  troops  observes 

Against  superior  forces  struggling  still, 

He  sends  adown  the  slope  with  quickened  tread 

The  last  battalions  that  he  had,  to  aid 

The  troops  that  will  not  fly,  yet  stand  in  dread. 


92  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Sullivan  bids  Lovell,  with  his  stanch  brigade 

From  Massachusetts,  this  column's  progress  block, 

Strike  flank  and  front ;  while  his  artillery  played 

Till  they  drew  back,  unequal  to  the  shock. 

While  Sullivan  orders  Colonel  Livingston, 

Who  on  that  day  the  brightest  laurels  won, 

With  Jackson's  regiment  that  at  Monmouth  fought 

And  at  Slate  Hill  that  morn  the  fight  began, 

To  take  position  farther  to  the  west, 

Await  events,  decide  upon  his  plan, 

And,  should  occur  the  happy  moment  sought, 

With  unexpected  onset,  bayonets  charged, 

Rush  double-quick  upon  the  troops  depressed 

In  the  low  land,  in  narrow  bounds  compressed, 

And  drive  them  from  the  valley  to  their  fort. 

The  men,  confiding  in  their  noble  chief 

Who  leads,  not  follows,  when  by  foes  beset, 

Swept  briskly  on  the  enemy,  surprised, 

Who,  driven  at  bay,  fought  bravely  hand  to  hand, 

But  overpowered,  helpless  of  relief, 

At  every  point  of  vantage  made  a  stand ; 

The  turf  with  blood  all  slippery  and  wet, 

Their  ranks  disordered  and  demoralized, 

They  yield  the  ground,  and  then,  ashamed,  come 

back, 
To  give  up  all  for  lost,  unwilling  yet. 


THE  BATTLE.  93 

To  rally  them  their  officers  strive  in  vain ; 
They  lose  not  courage,  but  the  sinews  lack 
With  such  fresh  forces  to  contend  again. 
Pressed  cross  the  valley,  up  the  hill-side  pressed, 
They  hurry  to  the  cover  of  their  guns ; 
One  battery  their  swift  pursuers  get, 
Which  their  commanders  in  their  flight  forget,  — 
One  trophy  of  this  charge  of  Livingston's. 

This  vigorous  charge  had  turned  the  battle's  tide, 
Helped,  too,  to  turn  the  balanced  tide  of  war; 
Not  wholly  routed,  yet  with  humbled  pride 
Sense  of  defeat  speeds  fast  from  shore  to  shore ; 
Right  wing  and  left  the  enemy  retreat, 
And  up  the  hill-sides  glide  with  rapid  feet; 
What  could  be  done  to  harass  as  they  went 
Was  not  neglected,  but  their  covert  near, 
Though  prudence  to  their  flight  fresh  vigor  lent, 
Such  veterans  could  but  little  know  of  fear. 

It  was  near  night  —  Van  Matsburg  says  but  four  — 
Four  hours  since  noon  when  thus  the  combat  ends, 
Pronounced  the  best-fought  battle  of  the  war, 
So  Lafayette  its  generals  commends. 
Sullivan,  fain  those  strong  intrenchments  storm, 
Knew  well  his  troops  fatigued,  nor  cared  expose, 


94  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

To  doubtful  issues,  regiments  that  form 
The  nation's  chief  dependence  'gainst  its  foes. 
Since  Friday's  dawn  his  men  upon  their  feet 
In  marches,  preparation,  or  in  fight, 
Could  hardly  hope  an  equal  force  defeat; 
Thus  strongly  posted  before  came  the  night, 
He  still  indulged  the  hope  the  Admiral, 
Moved  by  the  urgent  prayers  of  Lafayette, 
Would  send  his  troops,  or  his  own  earnest  call 
For  reinforcements  might  be  answered  yet. 
Pigott,  expecting  soon  five  thousand  men 
With  Clinton  and  his  formidable  fleet, 
Had  little  wish  to  renew  the  combat  then ; 
But  when  at  dusk  the  rebels  by  the  bay 
Surround  the  chasseurs  to  cut  off  retreat, 
Huyn's,  Fanning's  corps  were  ordered  in  support; 
A  smart  engagement  drove  them  soon  away 
To  Butts'  Hill,  near  by  their  strengthened  fort; 
With  little  vigor  to  fight  more  that  day, 
The  weary  men  regain  their  several  lines, 
Posting  their  pickets  near  their  enemy's ; 
And  when  came  off  the  sea  the  evening  breeze, 
The  crescent  moon  beyond  the  bay  declines, 
Each  army  on  their  arms  their  slumbers  take, 
Prepared  for  battle  when  the  morning  break. 


THE  BATTLE.  95 

When  the  reveille  sounds,  the  combatants 
Flock  to  their  ranks,  expecting  to  be  led 
Against  intrenchments  bristling  with  their  guns, 
And  little  cared  how  soon  their  blood  were  shed ; 
For  sense  of  danger  but  invigorates 
The  human  breast  that  knows  no  craven  fear, 
Content  the  life  kind  Providence  creates 
Is  His  to  take  or  spare  when  danger  near; 
Enough  for  them  to  know  their  duty  there 
By  conduct,  courage,  to  subdue  the  foe; 
And  for  the  coming  strife  both  sides  prepare 
To  strike  or  parry  the  impending  blow. 
They  profit  by  the  lessons  yester  taught, 
With  equal  numbers,  valor,  arms,  and  skill, 
Even  victory  by  storming  dearly  bought 
Where  works  well  planned,  as  those  on  either  hill. 
Each  hopes  to  tempt  the  other  to  attack, 
Each  resolute  by  no  deceit  provoked 
To  expose  their  forces  to  be  driven  back ; 
Pigott  expects,  besides  the  promised  fleet, 
Sullivan,  the  army  Lafayette  invoked, 
Nor  chose  impair  his  chance  of  safe  retreat 
By  being  crippled,  should  he  not  defeat. 

Scanning  with  constant  watchfulness  his  foe 
Lest  it  should  make  some  unexpected  spring, 


96  SIEGE  OF  NEWPORT. 

His  general  orders  gave  his  men  to  know 

What  joy  their  country  the  event  would  bring ; 

No  usual  phrase  could  fittingly  express 

His  pleased  delight,  as  yesterday  he  viewed 

His  gallant  army,  in  the  battle's  press 

Exhibit  such  heroic  fortitude. 

All  thanks  to  Greene,  his  generals,  each  brigade, 

Who  long  and  bravely  bore  alone  the  brunt, 

To  Lovell  and  his  officers,  whose  aid 

Whose  dauntless  intrepidity  dismayed, 

And  helped  repulse,  the  enemy  in  front, 

With  their  great  strength  in  equal  combat  strove, 

Then  off  the  field  of  action,  routed,  drove. 

Laurens  and  Livingston  claim  their  warmest  thanks 

As  their  artillerists,  Crane  and  Gouvion, 

Whose  well-served  guns  distressed  the  hostile  ranks, 

Shielded  our  own  as  they  went  moving  on. 

Troops  not  in  battle  actually  concerned, 

In  courage  vied  with  those  the  foe  attacked, 

To  take  their  part  with  equal  ardor  burned ; 

Would  share  their  laurels,  but  occasion  lacked. 

Profoundly  grateful  for  the  victory  won, 

One  sacred  duty  still  for  them  remains,  — 

To  inter  their  dead,  in  action  nobly  fell, 

With  all  the  honors  such  a  death-bed  gains. 

Our  wounded  comrades,  too,  deserve  their  care ; 


THE  BATTLE,  97 

Whatever  for  their  comfort  can  procure, 
Effort  or  cost,  to  effect  their  speedy  cure, 
Who  had  the  charge,  were  ordered  not  to  spare. 

While  thus  employed  in  binding  up  the  wounds, 

Paying  due  homage  to  the  honored  slain, 

A  parley  from  the  outer  picket  sounds, 

And  Campbell  pleads,  nor  pleads  his  cause  in  vain ; 

Decoyed  in  ambush  where  the  by-ways  crossed, 

His  regiment  the  yester  morn  had  lost 

One  fourth  its  strength,  yet  on  with  vigor  pressed, 

And  in  the  desperate  struggle  with  the  rest 

Long  held  their  ground  disputed  breast  to  breast. 

He  came  to  seek  among  the  mingled  dead 

His  sister's  son,  who  in  this  later  strife 

Had  fallen  by  his  side,  a  hero  bred, 

For  king  and  country  early  gave  his  life. 

Still  hopeful  of  good  tidings  from  the  north 
That  on  their  way  march  all  the  troops  of  France, 
To  throw  away  their  strong  position  loath, 
The  hours  of  that  Sabbath-day  advance, 
When  from  the  ferry,  speeded  in  hot  haste, 
Despatches  reach  the  chief  from  Washington, 
That  Clinton  and  his  host  no  moments  waste, 
With  every  favoring  breeze  are  pressing  on. 

7 


93 


SIEGE  OF  NEWPORT. 


He  forthwith  orders  workmen  to  the  lines, 

Disguised  the  intent  to  cross  from  off  the  isle, 

Prepares  for  battle  till  the  day  declines ; 

The  tents  are  pitched  still  better  to  beguile. 

Meantime,  our  batteries  along  the  shore 

Keep  at  safe  distance  all  the  British  ships, 

As,  screened  by  hills  from  view,  in  frequent  trips 

The  sick  and  wounded,  cattle,  gun,  and  store, 

Boats  passing  to  and  fro  in  safety  bore. 

As  the  respective  sentinels  alert 

Mark  every  sight  and  sound  with  quickened  sense, 

The  opposing  guards  a  hundred  yards  apart, 

This  thorough  preparation  for  defence 

Diverts  suspicion  with  consummate  art 

FYom  aught  that  might  be  thought  but  a  pretence. 

But  when  the  sun  and  moon  had  gone  to  rest, 

The  stars  alone  emit  their  feeble  light, 

And  sentinels  their  beats  in  silence  pressed, 

Issuing  from  their  tents  upon  the  night, 

Five  thousand  men  move  back  of  Butts'  Hill 

Down  to  the  ferry,  and  are  pulled  acrost, 

All  in  such  order,  with  such  care  and  skill 

That  not  a  life  or  aught  of  value  lost. 

Amphibious  Glover,  who  at  Brooklyn  saved 

Our  troops,  environed  both  by  land  and  sea, 

Across  the  Delaware,  with  ice-floes  paved, 


THE  BATTLE.  99 

Steered  our  brave  men  to  Trenton's  victory ; 

Again  this  night  with  Cornell,  Lafayette, 

Who  twenty  leagues  had  rode  in  six  short  hours,  — 

With  vigor  left  they  all  fatigue  forget,  — 

Preserved  from  toils  these  precious  troops  of  ours  ; 

And  just  in  time,  for  as  their  anxious  chief 

With  his  life-guard  still  lingered  on  the  shore, 

The  foe,  aroused,  with  preparations  brief 

Around  the  hills  in  solid  columns  pour, 

And  as  the  latest  guardsman  reached  the  boat, 

A  few  their  volleys  wounded  while  afloat. 

The  night's  fatigue  had  won  its  needed  rest ; 

When  morning  came  the  troops  upon  parade, 

To  their  commanders  Sullivan  addressed 

His  parting  words,  his  dispositions  made: 

Congratulations,  that  without  the  loss 

Of  gun  or  store,  of  officers  or  men, 

They  stood  unharmed  upon  the  main  again, 

From  off  the  island  safely  all  withdrawn ; 

This,  though  the  enemy's  opposing  force, 

From  various  intelligence,  well  known, 

Superior  in  numbers  to  his  own. 

Their  ships  of  war  controlled  the  neighboring  bay, 

And  had  we  waited  for  another  dawn 

Must  have  at  disadvantage  fought  our  way. 


IOO  SIEGE  OF  NEWPORT. 

Such  a  retreat  thus  regularly  made 

Without  confusion,  carried  out  as  planned, 

The  zeal  by  men  and  officers  displayed 

Reflected  honor  on  his  whole  command. 

To  his  own  staff,  to  Trumbull,  Sherburne,  Long, 

Russell  and  Sullivan  who  volunteer, 

His  unreserved  acknowledgments  belong 

For  faithful  service,  spirited  and  brave. 

Brave  Gouvion  and  every  engineer 

Whose  skill  and  industry  no  task  could  tire 

In  building  batteries  and  approaches  near 

To  Newport,  by  their  well-directed  fire 

Compelled  their  foes  within  their  lines  retire; 

Well  merited  the  praise  he  gladly  gave. 

To  the  light  corps  dissolved,  now  all  restored 

To  their  respective  posts,  his  warmest  thanks 

With  pride  he  would  their  valiant  deeds  accord, 

Both    those    that    led    and    those    that   filled    the 

ranks. 

Nor  in  conclusion  could  he  well  refrain 
Expressing  obligations  to  Cornell, 
Whipple,  and  Olney  for  their  thoughtful  care 
In  passing  guns  and  luggage  from  the  main ; 
And  more  remiss,  if  he  should  fail  to  tell 
With  what  devoted  zeal  and  oversight 
They  had  embarked  the  troops  the  previous  night. 


THE  BATTLE.  IOI 

The  sick  and  wounded  when  their  state  admits 

Would  be  removed  to  Providence,  and  there 

Receive  the  treatment  that  the  place  permits,  — • 

Physicians'  skill  and  nurses'  tender  care. 

The  right  wing  cantoned  'long  the  western  shore 

Greene  to  command,  the  left  wing  Lafayette, 

Glover  his  own  brigade  and  Jackson's  corps 

The  centre  line  stationed  at  Providence, 

With  Lovell's,  Titcomb's,  near  at  Pawtucket; 

Tyler  at  Warwick,  Doggett's  regiments, 

One  at  Fall  River,  at  Slade's  Ferry  one ; 

Cornell  retain  his  post  at  Tiverton, 

Varnum  at  Warren  near  his  natal  place, 

And  Christopher  Greene,  brave  hero  of  Redbank, 

At  Fishkill  three  years  later  vilely  slain, 

To  take  position  on  the  southern  flank 

At  Greenwich,  home  of  his  illustrious  race. 

The  Continentals  and  militia  gone, 

The  whole  a  scanty  force  to  guard  and  keep 

One  hundred  miles  against  an  active  foe, 

Ten  thousand  strong  that  formed  the  garrison, 

Who  well  might  strike  some  unexpected  blow 

Should  those  that  watch  them  fold  their  hands  in 

sleep. 
That  very  morn  Sir  Clinton's  promised  fleet, 


102  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Its  fourscore  ships  and  troops  five  thousand  men, 
From  round  Point  Judith  up  the  harbor  beat 
And  all  the  sea-girt  isle  is  theirs  again. 
Our  well-aimed  batteries  had  left  their  trace, 
Breach  upon  breach  the  heavy  balls  had  rent ; 
Great  his  surprise  to  find  so  weak  the  place, 
To  the  besieged  his  courteous  compliment. 

For  yet  another  year  King  George's  flag 
Waved  in  its  pride  from  fort  and  battlement, 
While  watchful  sentinels  on  hill  and  crag 
Maraud  or  raid  upon  its  farms  prevent. 
The  British  ships  their  cruel  vengeance  wreak 
On  many  a  town  exposed  along  the  shore ; 
Wherever  were  beheld  defences  weak 
Their  floating  batteries  church  and  dwelling  tore. 
Falmouth  and  Fairfield,  to  the  east  and  west, 
The  brand  completes  the  havoc  of  the  gun, 
The  folk  dismayed  could  find  no  moment's  rest, 
Nor  cared  repair  the  ruthless  havoc  done. 

When  Pigott  left  to  Prescott  the  command 
A  galley  bore  his  name  and  guards  the  bay 
Along  the  eastern  shore,  not  near  the  land 
Lest  Compton's  batteries  drive  their  ship  away. 
Many  the  laurelled  wreath  the  battle  wove, 


THE  BATTLE.  1 03 

Not  one  more  signal  bravery  displayed 

Than  Silas  Talbot,  who  that  morning  strove 

With  Laurens,  who  fell  later  in  the  war ; 

Fleury,  who  scars  from  that  encounter  bore 

To  mark  with  blood  each  step  the  Hessians  made ; 

His  gallant  deeds  upon  the  neighboring  seas 

Had  frequent  prizes  won  when  needed  most, 

Rich  freighted  vessels  trembled  lest  the  breeze 

Should  waft  to  spoil  the  terror  of  the  coast. 

Byron  at  Boston  blockading  D'Estaing 

The  Pigott  galley  unsuspecting  lay 

When,  watching  for  his  chance,  in  darkness  sprang 

The  dauntless  Talbot  on  his  helpless  prey, 

With  threescore  heroes  to  such  service  bred. 

From  Prudence  in  a  light-armed  vessel  dropped, 

Passed  Bristol  Ferry  with  all  canvas  spread, 

In  Mt.  Hope  Bay  the  favoring  hazes  wrapped ; 

Till  drifting  down  at  night  Seconnet's  tide, 

By  Fogland  Ferry  and  its  hostile  guns, 

Under  bare  poles  along  the  Compton  side, 

All  observation  from  the  sentries  shuns, 

His  boat  upon  the  ebb  with  muffled  oar 

Gropes  till  it  hears  the  galley's  midnight  hail 

When,  veiled  in  mist,  the  "Hawk"  with  rapid  wing, 

Borne  by  the  breeze  come  rushing  through  the  fog, 

Pouncing  upon  the  galley  with  a  spring, 


IO4  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

That  with  its  eight  twelve-pounders  lays  a-log. 
Fastening  his  grapples,  Talbot  and  his  crew 
Break  through  the  boarding  nettings  to  the  deck, 
The  drowsy  Britons  from  their  hammocks  flew, 
Nor  knew  what  ill  impended,  fire  or  wreck. 
Driven  below,  the  hatches  soon  were  fast, 
Her  brave  commander  left  alone  to  fight ; 
A  contest  so  unequal  could  not  last, 
And  ere  the  morning  dawn  brought  back  the  light, 
The  captors  with  their  prize,  thus  sleeping  caught, 
Entered  in  triumph  some  near  friendly  port, 
Nor  many  nights  before  the  galley  lay 
The  watch-dog  of  the  rebels  in  the  bay. 


CANTO   VI. 

IROQUOIS. 

/\A  EANWHILE  D'Estaing,  his  orders  to  obey, 

His  fleet  refits,  and  watching  for  his  chance 
Storm  drives  the  beleaguering  ships  away, 
Or  they  went  roving  round  to  raid  or  slay, 
Sails  to  the  south  his  twenty  ships  of  France. 
Granada,  St.  Lucie,  his  gloomy  soul 
Racked  with  regret,  restored  his  tireless  zeal. 
In  tropic  seas  his  ships  triumphant  roll, 
For  Newport  lost,  his  wounds,  still  rankling,  heal. 
When  from  Nantasket  Roads  he  issued  forth 
His  hope  and  promise,  when  the  spring  should  come, 
With  his  strong  fleet  and  force  returning  North, 
To  aid  his  allies  if  not  ordered  home. 

For  near  two  centuries  France  and  England  strove 
Which  should  possess  this  mighty  continent, 
And  when,  at  last,  the  conquering  British  drove 
Her  rivals  off,  a  feverish  discontent 
Envenoming  both  minister  and  king, 
Encouragement  our  disaffection  lent, 


106  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Their  Eden  lost,  to  fresh  subjection  bring. 
The  cross  the  Catholics  planted  at  Quebec, 
Port- Royal,  Castine,  and  beyond  the  roar 
Of  grand  Niagara,  saint  and  savage  deck 
With  the  like  unction  as  the  years  before, 
Down  to  the  Gulf  its  banners  once  unrolled ; 
The  Indian  loved  the  French  who  fish  and  hunt, 
Hating  the  English  who  his  birthplace  hold 
And  with  imperious  sway  his  pride  affront. 

The  Admiral's  promise  when  he  left  the  coast, 
Prompted  by  Lafayette  then  going  home, 
To  sanguine  souls  appeared  no  idle  boast 
Were  they  prepared  when  the  right  moment  come. 
Congress  and  Washington  forthwith  decide 
To  wait  with  patience  the  long-wished-for  hour, 
Their  troops  to  discipline  and  food  provide, 
Holding  in  check  the  king's  superior  power. 
The  land,  exhausted,  had  scant  means  or  arms 
To  assail  the  enemy  behind  his  walls, 
But  patriot's  breast  no  craven  thought  alarms, 
No  odds  a  soul  like  gallant  Wayne's  appalls ; 
His  chosen  men,  at  night,  at  Stony  Point 
The  fortress  scale  and  capture  guns  and  men, 
The  copious  streams  of  blood  the  fields  anoint, 
With  little  loss  regained  their  post  again. 


IROQUOIS.  ID/ 

Like  their  fierce  allies,  in  their  cruel  raid 
Britons  spared  neither  child  nor  woman  then; 
Fair  Wyoming  a  heap  of  ashes  laid ; 
The  pitiless  savage  led  by  Christian  men, 
Our  country  claimed  that  retribution  dire 
Be  tested  till  their  bloody  hands  were  stayed ; 
Yet  wholesale  slaughter  such  as  Cromwell  stained 
Aroused  in  Washington  but  generous  ire, 
And  while  our  settlements  exposed  remained, 
The  seaboard  villages  were  swept  by  fire. 
His  noble  heart  indignantly  constrained 
Retaliate  upon  the  treacherous  foe 
Repay  such  savage  outrage  blow  for  blow. 
Not  his  to  wage  a  war  against  the  weak, 
The  helpless  woman  and  the  harmless  child ; 
Yet  well  the  country  might  resentment  wreak 
On  hellish  deed  that  Satan's  self  defiled. 
From  Erie's  lake  to  where  the  Hudson  flows 
Its  wealth  of  waters  to  our  ocean  mart, 
From  Wyoming,  whose  blackened  embers  glowed 
With  indignation  in  each  generous  heart, 
To  where  the  blue  Ontario  swells  and  heaves, 
Niagara's  tumultuous  torrents  foamed 
Within  a  boundless  wilderness  of  leaves, 
Tribe  upon  tribe  of  dusky  warriors  roamed. 
With  many  a  trait  their  savage  way  retrieves ; 


IO8  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Their  grounds  well  tilled,  commodious  their  abodes, 

Their  rights  defined  by  laws  both  just  and  wise, 

If  not  like  ours  their  habits  and  their  codes, 

Champlain  and  Kirkland  helped  to  civilize ; 

Trained  to  endure  excruciating  pain, 

To  inflict  it  on  themselves  and  others  too, 

The  frequent  massacres  their  hands  imbue, 

Atrocities  their  bloody  records  stain, 

The  legends  of  their  warlike  race  explain. 

If  from  their  sylvan  solitudes  concealed, 

Science  and  art  heaped  up  in  ages  flown 

To  their  quick  sense  and  faculties  revealed 

What  their  experience  taught  by  nature  shown. 

Imaginative,  astute,  and  eloquent, 

In  their  confederate  councils  proud  and  grave, 

Words  rich  in  meaning  stated  what  they  meant, 

And  those  that  governed  were  both  wise  and  brave. 

Their  chief  pursuits  the  war-path  and  the  chase, 

Skilful  in  stratagem  and  the  ambuscade, 

By  stars  and  trees  and  winds  their  foes  they  trace, 

If  oft  deceived,  occasionally  betrayed, 

Their  prisoners  tortured,  burnt,  or  maimed,  or  flayed, 

Not  to  retaliate,  for  savages,  disgrace. 

Where  now  so  many  Christian  souls  exist 

In  thriving  cities,  amidst  teeming  fields, 

Scarce  twoscore  thousand  Indians  then  subsist     . 


IROQUOIS.  109 

On  fish  or  game  the  stream  or  forest  yields, 
On  corn  or  garden  growths,  or  orchards  lent 
Of  luscious  apples  which  the  seasons  sent. 
Here  the  imperial  realm  of  beauty  spread 
With  graceful  lakes  in  wooded  mountains  set, 
Of  wild  ravines,  with  cataract,  cascade ; 
Where  Adirondack  lifts  its  alp  on  alp, 
Catskill  looks  eastward  on  the  morning  red, 
In  all  this  wilderness  of  sheen  and  shade, 
The  crafty  huntsman  for  his  quarry  strayed 
To  kill  his  venison,  or  his  foemen  scalp. 

On  all  the  earth  beneath  its  daily  run 
No  fairer  land  illumined  by  the  sun ; 
Here  the  five  nations  of  the  Iroquois, 
Strong  in  their  league,  held  other  tribes  at  bay, 
From  when  Champlain  encountered  them  in  war 
Till  Tuscaroras  joined  their  proud  array. 
Where  Mississippi  rolls  its  turbid  floods, 
Beyond  St.  Lawrence  which  in  ocean  pours 
The  inland  seas  that  bound  us  on  the  north, 
Upon  the  war-path  through  the  boundless  woods 
Their  well-armed  legions  by  skilled  sachems  led 
From  the  longhouse  Tioga  issuing  forth 
Destroyed  the  Eries,  Ottawas,  Hurons  drove, 
Algonquins  conquered,  and  the  Illinois, 


IIO  SIEGE  OF  NEWPORT. 

Leni  Lenapes  yielded  to  their  sway, 

The  Shawanese  Miamis  vainly  strove, 

All  in  their  turn  this  powerful  league  obey. 

From  Canada  what  they  most  valued  came,  — 

Arms,  ammunitions,  waters  strong; 

Their  chieftain's  lovely  sister  bore  the  name 

Of  the  king's  regent,  who  had  ruled  them  long, 

Whose  influence  attached  them  to  the  crown ; 

And  though  his  days  on  earth  had  reached  their 

term, 

That  influence  to  his  son  descending  down, 
All  but  the  Oneidas  to  the  king  stood  firm. 
They  burn  and  massacre  by  English  led, 
They  blocked  our  path  to  Fort  Niagara, 
And  justified  by  wanton  blood  they  shed, 
The  Congress  ordered,  and  the  troops  obeyed. 

When  the  French  fleet  expected  on  the  shore, 
The  harvest  ripe,  too  late  for  planting  more, 
Sullivan  and  Clinton  with  four  thousand  men 
The  country  penetrate,  its  streams  explore ; 
The  loaded  orchards'  crops  and  dwellings  burn 
And  drive  their  wily  foes  to  Canada. 
What  Congress  ordered  Washington  approved, 
The  few  resisting  slain,  the  weaker  spared ; 


IROQUOIS.  I  1 

And  for  such  arduous  duty  well  prepared, 
The  army  did  its  duty  as  behooved,  — 
In  the  projected  expedition  shared, 
The  season  spent,  back  to  their  base  return. 


CANTO  VII. 

SAVANNAH. 

/^  ALM  seas  and  fickle  winds  the  French  delay, 

The  tropic  reached  had  many  a  spell  to  charm, 
Its  spicy  odors,  venom  to  betray, 
The  stanchest,  of  their  vigor  to  disarm. 
Scourged  by  disease,  ships  shattered  by  the  gale, 
The  period  wasted  for  the  project  planned, 
Their  Admiral,  if  true  as  told  the  tale, 
Jealous  of  De  Grasse  he  left  in  his  command, 
Perhaps  to  redeem  his  pledge,  preserve  his  men 
In  healthier  climes,  on  whom  the  scurvy  preyed, 
Or  for  himself  some  added  glory  gain, 
The  orders  of  his  monarch  disobeyed ; 
Home  with  his  crippled  ships  forthwith  return, 
Informed  Savannah  undefended  lay 
Upon  his  homeward  path  and  near  at  hand ; 
Vain-glorious  hopes  within  his  bosom  burn, 
Sanguine  of  victory  he  pursued  his  way, 
His  prows  directed  to  the  promised  land. 

Great  the  delight  that  thrilled  along  the  shore, 
With  tidings  that  our  allies  come  once  more 


SA  VANNAH.  1 1 3 

With  fleets  and  armies  to  our  drooping  hope ; 
Sumter  and  Marion,  Laurens,  Huger 
Glow  with  the  faith  that  we  might  yet  be  free, 
With  England's  forty  thousand  veterans  cope. 
Lincoln  at  Charleston  sends,  by  sail  and  oar, 
Transports  to  bring  the  troops  more  near  the  place, 
Fresh  food  and  drugs  from  his  own  scanty  store 
The  sick  to  cure,  the  slackened  sinews  brace ; 
The  sister  flags  through  land-locked  Ossibaw 
Speed  through  its  shoals  the  gallant  men  of  France, 
Not  many  less  than  when,  the  year  before, 
The  Newport  breeze  their  kindred  banners  flaunt; 
Weak  and  surprised,  the  place  at  once  assailed 
Been  forced  to  yield,  superior  force  prevailed. 

From  ships  that  rocked  exposed,  ten  leagues  away, 
With  sluggish  toil  they  dragged  their  heavy  guns ; 
Events  beyond  control  their  progress  stay, 
As  midst  the  sands  they  work  their  weary  way 
Through  bog  and  marsh,  beneath  the  scorching  suns; 
And  when  at  length  the  strengthened  lines  beset 
The  well-drilled  ranks  drawn  up  in  proud  array, 
Summons  to  surrender  crafty  Prevost  met. 
Craving  a  truce  but  for  a  single  day, 
He  would  the  terms  proposed  reflect  upon ; 
But  when  his  answer  came,  the  time  not  yet, 

8 


114  SIEGE   OF  KEWFORT. 

Maitland  had  reinforced  the  garrison. 
D'Estaing,  untiring,  his  approaches  made, 
Lincoln  from  Charleston  came  with  troops  to  aid 
Their  progress  Prescott  warily  delayed, 
Obstructing  streams  and  road,  and  bridges  burnt 
Yet  now,  at  last,  the  parallels  were  run, 
From  disappointment  wise  experience  learnt, 
Ceaseless  the  cannons  roar,  the  dwellings  blazed, 
Horrors  of  which,  mere  apprehension  crazed, 
That  Newport  had  so  narrowly  escaped ; 
Which  Newport  might  quite  possibly  have  won 
Whose  spectral  forms  mere  apprehension  shaped 
The  sturdier  veterans  cared  not  look  upon. 

Woman  and  child  in  vain  for  mercy  prayed ; 
The  Admiral  some  fiend  with  mockery  dazed,  — 
It  might  be  duty,  or  it  might  be  pride, — 
The  prayed-for  boon  he,  pitiless,  denied. 
If  to  this  course  humane  objection  pressed, 
Doubtless  his  generous  heart  was  sorely  tried, 
But  his  decision  overruled  the  rest; 
Woman  and  child  in  hapless  frenzy  died. 
Meanwhile  each  day,  near  forty  left  aboard, 
Released  from  suffering  in  their  painless  sleep, 
The  pale  survivors,  their  own  doom  deplored, 
Consigned  with  prayer  the  bodies  to  the  deep. 


SA  VANNAH.  1 1  5 

Fifty  huge  guns  belch  forth  their  fateful  fire, 
Weak  bearing  shells  explode  in  house  and  street, 
Their  track,  though  marked  with  rack  and    ruin 

dire, 

Harmless-  against  the  strong  defences  beat. 
Moncrief  had  girt  the  mound  that  Nature  made, 
Oglethorpe  chosen  for  his  citadel, 
With  demilune,  redoubt,  and  palisade, 
Could  a  whole  host  with  slender  guard  repel. 
With  time  and  guns  and  forces  adequate, 
Gibraltar,  Ehrenbreitstein,  needs  must  fall ; 
The  rules  of  science  give  their  laws  to  fate, 
And  weak  the  hand  that  strikes  against  the  wall. 
D'Estaing  imperious,  restless,  and  disturbed, 
With  calmer  judgment  had  attained  his  end, 
But  his  impulsive  temper  raged  uncurbed, 
To  wiser  council  all  too  proud  to  bend. 
His  king  incensed,  his  rivals  envious, 
Disliked  by  officers,  unloved  by  men, 
Whatever  course  he  took  were  perilous ; 
His   cankered    conscience    could    not    guide    him 

then. 

The  slaves  to  fate  no  more  by  reason  led, 
Grope  feverish,  blinded  in  the  lurid  gloom, 
Shrink  from  the  horrors  they  too  justly  dread, 
And  unresisting  stagger  to  their  doom. 


Il6  SIEGE  OF  NEWPORT. 

The  engineers  with  vigorous  effort  wrought, 
Nor  unmolested  were  the  trenches  flushed, 
At  night  bold  Graham  sallied  from  the  fort, 
His  puny  force  with  no  great  effort  crushed. 
In  larger  numbers,  well-concerted  plan, 
McArthur  fought  the  pickets  unprepared, 
But  as  return  the  fire  the  French  began, 
The  assailants  to  their  lines  in  haste  repaired. 
When  the  report  that  only  ten  days  more 
Were  needed  to  complete  the  parallels, 
Batteries  of  the  heaviest  guns  to  pour 
Directly  on  the  forts  their  shot  and  shell, 
D'Estaing,  perverse,  declares  he  cannot  wait ; 
The  rest  decide,  if  so,  to  take  their  chance ; 
Great  their  disgrace  if  he  should  sail  away, 
Leave  them  again  abandoned  to  their  fate. 
Better  to  storm  before  another  dawn, 
Attack  the  place  with  the  whole  force  of  France, 
With  near  a  thousand  more  by  Lincoln  led, 
While  Irish  Dillon,  though  a  Frenchman  born, 
Shall  scale  the  work  upon  the  river's  bank ; 
Pulaski  who  in  youth  for  Poland  bled, 
Now  in  his  prime  to  give  his  life  for  us, 
To  strike  the  British  on  their  western  flank, 
Happy  in  death  to  die  for  freedom  thus. 


SAVANNAH.  \\J 

Williams,  Huger,  with  twice  a  thousand  men 

Make  first  a  feigned  attack  upon  the  east, 

Await  the  signal,  and  with  ardor  then 

Assail  the  fortress  where  expected  least. 

Each  on  his  breast  to  wear  a  badge  of  white, 

To  tell  or  friend  or  enemy  at  night ; 

Strange  was  the  medley  in  that  campans  town, 

French,  British,  Germans,  Irish,  and  the  Pole, 

Americans  fighting  for,  against  the  crown 

Hessians  in  chains  to  trample  freedom  down; 

Brave  men  for  freedom  from  unjust  control, 

Fathers  and  sons  opposed,  embattled  stood ; 

Brothers  for  pottage  shed  each  other's  blood 

A  traitor  in  the  camp  for  gold  revealed 

The  plan  of  combat  to  the  proud  Prevost, 

Who  at  the  menaced  points,  his  strength  concealed, 

To  parry  the  attack  give  blow  for  blow. 

The  march  delayed,  it  was  already  dawn 

When  D'Estaing,  Lincoln,  moved  to  the  attack ; 

But  from  the  first  it  was  a  hope  forlorn, 

And  streams  of  blood  their  onward  footsteps  track, 

As  all  along  their  ranks  their  comrades  fell, 

And  dying  heaps  their  instant  danger  tell. 

The  deadly  cannon,  from  their  view  concealed, 
Swept  with  results  their  withering  ranks  revealed  ; 


Il8  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Too  stanch  to  yield,  no  panic  drives  them  back. 

Lincoln,  with  brave  Laurens  and  Mclntosh, 

First  rend  the  lines  and  enter  the  redoubt ; 

Those  that  defend  yield  to  the  onward  rush 

While  serried  masses  press  without. 

The  grape  and  shrapnel  find  an  easy  mark. 

They  seek  in  vain  for  covert  here  and  there ; 

The  shielded  corners  promised  in  the  dark 

Proved  in  the  daylight  but  a  fatal  snare. 

Bush,  Holmes,  the  rampart  scale,  their  colors  plant 

Beside  the  French;    Gray,   fearless,  shakes  them 

free. 

The  bullets  slay  whom  danger  cannot  daunt, 
For  the  third  time  bold  Jasper  raised  the  flag, 
Four  heroes  fell  and  died  for  liberty. 
For  a  long  hour  a  close  and  withering  fire 
Plays  on  the  masses  all  along  the  trench, 
And  hundreds  weltering  in  their  gore  lay  dead ; 
Americans  lost  as  many  as  the  French. 
They  still  fought  on,  trusting  in  those  that  led ; 
But  all  in  vain  their  guns  the  ramparts  rent, 
Efforts  to  scale  and  storm,  disaster  met. 
Pulaski  slain,  and  wounded  twice  D'Estaing, 
He  with  his  troops  retreated  to  his  ships ; 
Such  disappointment  he  could  not  forget, 
Though  to  repining,  pride  might  seal  his  lips. 


SAVANNAH.  119 

He  long  lived  on,  a  broken-hearted  man, 
Till  on  the  scaffold  ended  his  regret. 

Thus  menaced  by  his  foes  in  field  and  siege, 

Who,  far  apart,  wrought  better  than  they  knew, 

Beyond  the  lakes  Canadians  still  liege ; 

The  Carolina  tories  stanch  and  true, 

To  hold  them  loyal,  steadfast  to  the  Crown, 

Needed  for  their  protection  armaments 

Their  monarch,  sore  beset,  but  ill  could  spare. 

Nor  bravely  struggling  in  their  own  defence 

With  slight  success  and  even  less  renown, 

In  costly  warfare  against  France  and  Spain, 

Would  his  home  subjects  heavier  burthens  bear; 

Nor  might  he  hope  his  previous  gems  retain 

If  fleets  and  armies  battered  down  their  walls. 

The  terrors  of  the  summers  past  renew, 

As  on  the  dim  horizon's  farthest  verge 

The  ships  of  France  fade  sadly  from  the  view ; 

The  Admiral  o'er  his  withered  laurels  broods 

And  all  life  has  of  bitterness  recalls, 

As  Sullivan,  Clinton,  in  fresh  strength  emerge 

From  the  autumnal  splendor  of  the  woods. 

Their  country's  gain  rich  realms  of  pasture  new;  . 

England  from  Newport  hauls  her  colors  down, 

Off  from  the  isle  her  iron  clutch  withdrew. 


I2O  SIEGE  OF  NEWPORT. 

As  thus  the  evil  genius  of  the  war 

Upon  the  surges  of  the  ocean  tost, 

Whose  haste  had  drenched  Savannah's  sands  in  gore, 

The  maimed  and  halt  regained  their  ranks  no  more, 

Lincoln  was  crippled,  and  Pulaski  lost. 

December,  1779. 

As  closed  the  year,  from  Newport  now  set  free, 

Seven  thousand  veterans  to  Charleston  sent, 

With  the  victorious  legions  Prevost  lent, 

With  guns  afloat  the  land  defences  rent, 

And  Clinton  gained  an  easy  victory. 

Congress  commands  the  conqueror  of  Burgoyne 

The  progress  of  the  enemy  to  stay; 

Sumter,  De  Kalb,  his  feeble  armies  join. 

Gates  scorned  advice,  his  pride  his  steps  betray ; 

He  marched  at  night,  mischance  his  troops  delay, 

Confronts  Cornwallis,  who  with  equal  force 

Wonted  to  battle,  strong  in  discipline, 

In  Webster,  Rawdon,  Hamilton,  McLeod, 

In  bayonets,  artillery,  and  horse,  — 

What  chance,  against  such  odds,  had  Gates  to  win? 

For  wise  retreat  to  safer  grounds,  too  proud ; 

Two-thirds  his  army,  boastful  pledge  forgot, 

Before  their  assailants  fled  without  a  shot. 

In  vain  the  regulars,  of  sterner  mould, 


SAVANNAH.  121 

From  Maryland  and  doughty  Delaware, 
Throughout  the  conflict  boldest  of  the  bold, 
Did  all  at  Camden  stoutest  man  could  dare. 

August  1 6,  1780. 

They  bravely  fought,  and  held  their  foe  at  bay, 
Lost  heavily,  and  yet  refused  to  yield ; 
Strong  in  their  closed  up  ranks,  without  dismay 
They,  the  last  remnant  left  upon  the  field,  — 
All  others  fled,  De  Kalb  their  general  slain, 
Vanished  from  view,  till  gathering  in  their  strength, 
Convinced  not  theirs  the  battle  to  retrieve, 
One-half  their  number  joined  their  chief  at  length. 
Gates,  forced  along  by  the  retreating  crowd, 
Two  hundred  miles  with  one  companion  rode. 
Gloomy  the  thoughts  his  saddened  spirit  shroud, 
What  such  disaster  for  the  cause  forbode ; 
Perhaps,  too,  mourned  that  his  once  brilliant  fame, 
Brave  men  at  Saratoga  helped  to  earn, 
Tarnished  and  blurred  in  Camden's  day  of  shame, 
Had  lost  its  lustre  never  to  return. 

As  Newport's  roses  in  its  gardens  bloom, 
Maidens  demure  in  gala  thronged  its  streets, 
Far  in  the  offing  heard  the  welcome  boom ; 
And  thirty  ships  of  France,  now  come  to  stay, 


122  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Stalk  in  their  pride  the  waters  of  the  bay. 

Each  fort  along  the  shore  their  advent  greets ; 

Their  admiral,  the  admirable  Ternay, 

Soon  sleeps  in  death  upon  this  foreign  shore. 

The  British  fleet  for  months  soon  blocks  the  way, 

Before,  in  force  sufficient  to  withdraw, 

There  too  remain  at  least  four  thousand  men, 

Commanded  by  the  gentlemen  of  France,— 

The  princely  Rochambeau  and  Chattallux, 

Henry,  Deux-ponts,  Viome'nil,  Leuzun  ; 

With  all  the  virtues  noble  blood  enhance, 

In  the  esteem  of  all  they  daily  grew. 

And  though  their  sojourn  ending  all  too  soon, 

Tradition  still  can  tell  what  happened  there,  — 

The  festal  banquet  and  the  graceful  dance ; 

Homage  polite  that  pleases  yet  not  harms ; 

The  gracious  intercourse  of  word  and  glance 

That  lends  to  French  society  its  charms, 

And  wins  for  all  affection  everywhere. 

Not  strange  each  breast  with  grateful  feeling  glows 
Towards  protectors  from  unnatural  foes, 
Whose  Hess  and  Indian  bloodhounds  sack,  maraud, 
No  limit  to  their  insatiate  greed  content, 
Their  kinsfolk  of  their  honest  rights  defraud, 
While  unsubdued  remains  the  continent. 


SAVANNAH.  123 

For  sordid  trade,  or  vanity  more  drear, 
Covet  the  earth,  their  knees  in  suppliance  bent, 
Nor  heed  the  hate,  can  they  inspire  the  fear ; 
Guns  for  their  reason,  for  their  sceptre,  sword, 
Can  brutal  deed  but  further  their  intent; 
The  deeds  of  savage,  white  or  red,  applaud, 
Taught  to  believe  what  for  advantage  tells, 
Duping  the  ignorant  by  wiles  and  spells 
That  oligarchs  may  rule  at  home,  abroad. 
Well  may  the  Quaker  maids  their  joy  express, 
Their  tyrants  now  too  distant  to  oppress. 

For  conquests  now  their  foes  seek  genial  field 
Where  scanty  bands  by  Sumter,  Marion,  led 
By  sturdy  blows  the  royalists  repress ; 
If  oft  defeated,  know  not  how  to  yield ; 
Even  when  defeated  still  help  on  the  cause ; 
By  generalship  and  daring  win  applause. 
If  of  one  mind,  for  freedom  or  for  Crown, 
The  Carolinas  had  been  doubly  strong, 
The  last  faint  spark  of  freedom  trampled  down, 
Or  driven  out  the  myrmidons  of  wrong. 
A  house  divided  'gainst  itself  must  fall ; 
Brothers  and  kin  in  hostile  ranks  arrayed, 
Revenge  its  bitterest  enmities  displayed, 
And  party  rage  the  nearest  friends  betrayed, 


124  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Prompted  to  arts  the  vilest  soul  appall. 
Thus  blind,  perverse,  their  enemies  pursue 
Their  wonted  course  to  triumph  o'er  the  weak, 
Breeding  dissensions,  those  resist  subdue, 
Who,  in  despair,  the  king's  protection  seek. 

October  16,   1780. 

Tarleton  below  Broad  River  kills  and  burns ; 

Above  its  waters  Ferguson  marauds, 

Watching  for  Clarke,  who  from  a  raid  returns,  — 

Rest  for  his  troops,  King's  Mountain,  near,  affords. 

Shelby,  McDonnel,  Campbell,  Seviers, 

All  colonels,  rouse  to  arms  the  country-side ; 

Moss-troopers  bold,  whose  well-trained  officers 

For  pass  or  ford  can  need  no  surer  guide. 

In  numbers  equal  sixteen  hundred  men, 

The  rebels  scale  the  hill,  and,  driven  back, 

With  greater  vigor  storm  its  heights  again. 

When  Ferguson  killed,  his  men  their  efforts  slack, 

Discouraged  by  the  south  they  strive  in  vain. 

For  one  whole  hour  the  desperate  fight  proceeds, 

Three  thousand  men  with  mutual  slaughter  rife 

De  Peyster,  who  to  Ferguson  succeeds, 

Pulls  down  his  colors,  and  thus  ends  the  strife. 

Some  doubtless  fled,  concealed  in  wood  or  glen ; 

That  battle  cost  the  king  a  thousand  men. 


SA  VANNAH. 


125 


November  3,  1780. 

At  Blackstock,  wounded,  Sumter  held  the  ground ; 
Each  side  a  hundred  lost,  yet  would  not  yield. 
The  turbid  streams  of  Yadken  and  of  Dan 
With  blood  of  whigs  and  tories  freely  ran ; 
But  neither  claimed  the  honor  of  the  field. 
From  far  Niagara,  with  his  savage  bands 
Johnson  swooped  down  upon  the  Mohawk  vale, 
Drove  out  the  Oneidas  from  their  homes  and  lands, 
But  widespread  havoc  left  to  tell  the  tale. 

Arnold,  in  debt,  despairing  of  the  cause, 

Which  well  seemed  hopeless  when  D'Estaing  went 

home, 

For  rank  and  gold,  all  heedless  of  the  laws 
Of  honor,  or  the  shame  that  needs  must  come 
To  his  descendants,  sold  himself  away; 
Nor  himself  only,  promised  to  betray 
Our  strongholds  to  the  foe ;   and  while  Andr6, 
As  his  accomplice,  on  the  scaffold  died, 
He  fled  from  wrath,  and  mourned  for  many  a  day 
He  had  not  also  perished  by  his  side. 

What  knee  but  bends,  what  bosom  but  must  glow 

With  homage  to  the  patriotic  men 

From  whose  example  our  best  blessings  flow !  — 


126  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

For  freedom  gained  an  easy  victory  then. 
No  nobler  characters  on  historic  page 
Than  theirs  in  Congress  shaped  our  destiny ; 
Their  glory  handed  down  from  age  to  age 
Till  the  fast  fetters  rust,  of  slavery. 
No  one  more  honored  than  the  loved  Laurens, 
When  D'Estaing  first  arrived,  its  president 
To  foreign  courts  to  multiply  our  friends, 
Its  best  of  suppliants  by  Congress  sent, 
Captured  at  sea,  committed  to  the  tower, 
The  fate  of  Andre  tempted  to  requite, 
His  old  associates  did  what  in  their  power 
To  extricate  him  from  his  hapless  plight. 

After  six  years  of  service  in  the  camp 

And  in  the  Congress,  Sullivan  again 

With  zeal  and  faith,  no  hopes  discouraged,  damp, 

Still  boldly  advocates  the  rights  of  men. 

His  long  experience  in  the  arts  of  war, 

Knowledge  complete  of  what  the  army  needs, 

Of  government,  the  mysteries  of  law, 

His  faithful  services,  and  well-known  deeds 

Gave  him  an  influence,  with  few  to  share 

The  many  duties  that  the  times  devolve. 

Wise  to  decide,  and  ever  bold  to  dare, 

Quick  to  devise,  and  prudently  resolve, 


SAVANNAH.  I2/ 

No  one  more  ably  could  its  problems  solve. 

Settling  with  Madison  the  claims  of  Spain, 

Establishing  credit  and  the  needed  bank, 

Arranging  controversies  of  pay  and  rank, 

Reorganizing  armies,  sending  Greene 

To  do  what  Gates  endeavored  to  in  vain, 

In  his  sole  charge  instructions  to  Laurens, 

Sent  out  to  France  to  liberate  his  sire, 

Whom  when  at  Newport  he  had  known  so  well, 

He  moved  and  wrote  a  letter  to  the  king 

For  John  to  carry,  and  perhaps  inspire 

With  sense  of  what  the  coming  year  might  bring: 

The  war  protracted  to  a  happy  end, 

If  the  allies  united  efforts  lend. 

John,  like  his  sire,  generous  and  brave, 
With  every  trait  and  grace  ennobles  man, 
Who,  at  Savannah  charging  in  the  van, 
Wounded,  had  just  escaped  a  soldier's  grave, 
With  Franklin,  —  heaven  its  own  artillery  gave, — 
Vergennes,  and  the  king  matured  the  plan 
Destined,  in  time,  our  cause  imperilled  save. 

As  chill  December  brought  its  earliest  frost, 
Greene  superseding  Gates  in  his  command, 
They  meet  and  part  in  friendly  courtesy. 


128  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Both  knew  too  well  how  battles  may  be  lost, 
Not  what  their  own,  but  what  their  country's  cost ; 
Not,  in  all  kindness  to  be  frank  and  free, 
Less  than  a  thousand  men  with  Gates  remained ; 
These  were  enhungered,  and  their  garments  stained. 
But  Morgan  came,  and,  ordered  to  the  west, 
Guarded  the  rivers  to  their  mountain  source, 
While  Marion,  in  simple  homespun  dressed, 
Watched  all  the  streams  along  their  ocean  course. 
Greene's   kinsman  bold    came   too,   four  hundred 

strong, 

Who  raised  for  Butt's  Hill  the  freedman's  corps, 
Whose  doughty  deeds  to  every  age  belong, 
Soon  to  be  victim  of  a  shameless  wrong; 
To  slay  who  yields,  a  crime  by  knighthood's  law. 
Washington  and  Lee  had  brought  as  many  more; 
Greene  with  them  all  had  twice  a  thousand  told. 
Leslie,  almost  as  strong,  from  Charleston  sped 
To  reinforce  the  British  chiefs,  who  hold 
Winnsboro,  seventy  miles  away,  ill  clothed  and  fed. 
Cornwallis  orders  Tarleton  intercept 
Morgan,  who  guards  the  rapid  Pacolet ; 
With  work  to  do  Tarleton  but  lightly  slept. 

yanuary  II,  1781. 

At  dawn  he  marched,  at  nine  at  Cowpens  met 
Morgan's  eight  hundred  Marylanders  bold ; 


SAVANNAH.  129 

Virginians,  Georgians,  formed  upon  the  crest; 
Four  hundred,  lower  down,  their  fire  withhold 
Till  their  assailants  meet  them  breast  to  breast 
When  Pickens  orders,  they  pour  in  their  ball, 
Then,  veiled  in  smoke,  they  disappear  from  sight 
Behind  the  hill,  on  Washington,  McCall, 
To  ground  beyond  well  sheltered  by  a  wood ; 
But  proved  the  need  to  reinforce  the  right, 
Tarleton  pressed  on,  ascends  the  sloping  ground 
With  his  dragoons,  foot,  and  artillery. 
Fierce  their  assault,  and  as  our  right  swung  round 
For  Pickens'  horse  to  flank,  misunderstood, 
Ordered  when  hardly  pressed  to  shift  their  ground, 
The  force  turned  round  to  retrograde  or  flee ; 
When  Morgan,  vexed,  too  cool  to  be  disturbed, 
In  tones  resistless  their  impatience  curbed, 
Ordered  a  halt;  to  right  about  and  rush 
With  bayonets  fixed,  upon  the  foe  surprised. 

January  7,   1781. 

McCall  and  Washington  their  right  flank  crush ; 

And  their  whole  army,  now  demoralized, 

Yield  to  the  victors  they  so  late  despised. 

Tarleton  met  Washington  in  the  melee, 

His  own  hand  cut,  shoots  Washington  in  the  knee, 

With  forty  of  his  troopers  rides  away, 


I3O  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Leaving  to  Morgan  a  great  victory. 
Another  thousand  of  our  foes  the  less. 
Who  for  their  king  their  fellow-men  oppress. 

Cornwallis,  in  dire  need  of  clothes  and  food, 
His  army  now  reduced  to  half  its  strength, 
Assured  that  farther  north  the  tories  stood 
In  readiness  to  help  him  if  they  might, 
Crossing  the  Dan  he  ventures  on  at  length ; 
Leslie  with  succor  follows  in  his  rear, 
Delayed  by  streams  to  pass  and  roads  to  clear ; 
Greene  diligently  strove  to  stay  their  course 
Until  his  army  ready  for  the  prey, 
Then  calling  in  his  infantry  and  horse 
With  such  recruits  as  he  could  find  at  hand, 
Long  held  his  skilled  antagonist  at  bay. 
Part  of  his  troops  could  not  much  longer  stay, 
And  his  own  force  as  large  as  that  opposed. 


At  Guilford  Court  House,  resolved  to  make  a  stand, 
For  each  event  might  chance  his  battle  planned, 
His  trustiest  men  and  those  less  skilled  disposed. 
Butler  and  Easton  to  command  the  front, 
Singleton's  guns  within  the  centre  placed ; 
Those  least  reliable  by  veterans  braced, 


SAVANNAH.  131 

Since  upon  them  devolved  to  bear  the  brunt. 
Lynch  with  his  rifles,  Washington  with  his  horse, 
Kirkwood's  brave  Delawares  to  flank  the  right, 
While  Campbell's  rifles,  Legion  under  Lee, 
That  Light-horse  Harry,  famed  in  many  a  fight, 
Shield  in  the  forest  dense  the  other  wing. 
Stanch,   strong  enough,  would  seem  that  stalwart 

force 

Even  sturdy  Britons  to  a  stand  to  bring. 
Three  hundred  yards  behind,  Virginia's  sons, 
The  sons  of  freedom,  chiefly  volunteer, 
Good  marksmen  all  and  wonted  to  their  guns, 
On  either  side  the  outskirts  of  the  wood, 
To  harass,  destroy  all  within  range,  appear, 
In  case  the  front  should  not  the  foe  withstand. 
Higher  up  the  hill,  about  as  far  beyond, 
The  regulars  with  officers  well  skilled,  — 
One-half  Virginians,  brave  Huger's  command, 
The  rest  from  Maryland  by  Williams  drilled. 

May  15,  1781. 

The  art  of  war  few  better  understand, 
Not  many  in  the  battle-field  before ; 
Hands  often  tremble  first  shed  human  blood. 
Could  our  own  death  in  battle  but  discharge 
Our  duty,  better  sleep  forevermore 


132  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Than  soar  aloft  with  others'  blood  imbrued ; 
But  custom  states  to  every  thought  like  this, 
Good  soldiers  fear  not  death,  nor  shrink  to  kill. 
Perhaps  for  Greene  the  glory  of  the  day, 
If  from  his  lines  no  ball  had  gone  amiss, 
So  well  was  fought  the  battle  on  the  hill. 

The  British  ranks,  of  tougher  metal  made, 
Their  work  in  life  to  combat  and  destroy; 
Leslie,  who  brings  three  regiments  in  aid, 
Commands  the  right,  and  bids  his  troops  deploy. 
The  Seventy-first  fights,  Hessians  in  the  front, 
One-half  the  Guards  with  Norton  in  support. 
Webster  that  bloody  day,  as  was  his  wont, 
Brave  of  the  bravest  ever  in  the  front, 
From  mortal  wounds  to  be  of  life  bereft, 
His  own  and  Thirty-fourth  compose  the  left, 
With  Grenadiers  and  Second  Guards  in  rear. 
Light  Infantry  and  Jagers  guard  the  guns, 
While  Tarleton  farther  back  no  danger  shuns, 
Keeps  to  the  road,  impatient  bides  his  chance 
To  charge  like  knight  of  old  with  sword  and  lance ; 
Wherever  needed,  like  a  flash  appear. 

McLeod's  artillery  twenty  minutes  played. 
The  Carolinians  firmly  kept  their  ranks ; 


SAVANNAH.  133 

But  when  the  British  charged  as  on  parade, 
The  militia  broke,  sought  shelter  on  the  flanks. 
Part  in  their  panic  reached  the  second  line, 
Which,  joined  by  Kirkwood,  Lynch,  and  Washing 
ton, 

Closed  bravely  up,  confront  the  advancing  foe, 
Who  with  fixed  bayonets  still  came  speeding  on. 
Reserves  brought  up  in  line  as  on  they  go, 
As  Campbell's  rifles,  Legion  under  Lee, 
Harass  their  right  as  steady  on  they  sweep. 
Rose  and  O'Hara  towards  the  forest  wheel; 
But  from  its  thickets'  dusky  coverts  steep 
The  deadly  sting  from  hidden  rifles  feel, 
Cannot  resent  on  foes  not  theirs  to  see. 
The  rest  press  on.     Long  the  Virginians  hold 
Their  ground  with  spirit,  but  at  last  give  way 
On  Continentals,  rally  those  most  bold, 
Yet  not  enough  to  save  the  losing  day. 


The  ground  was  rough,  the  woods  and  thickets 

dense; 

Deep,  dark  ravines  impede  their  upward  course. 
Their  ranks  disordered  by  rock,  brook,  and  fence, 
Thinned  by  the  rifles,  harried  by  the  horse, 
Their  front  diminished  to  protect  their  flanks, 


134  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

These  lusty  bull-dogs  ravined  for  their  prey. 
The  Grenadiers  and  Guards  O'Hara  led, 
With  Webster's  own  battalion,  reach  the  fray, 
Charge  on  the  regulars,  whose  steady  fire 
Staggers    their    rush    and    smites   their   withering 

ranks ; 

Gunsley  with  bayonets  drives  the  Thirty-third 
Down  the  steep  slopes,  across  the  wooded  glen. 
Up  the  rough  hillside  pant  the  scattered  herd, 
Till  Webster  finds  some  covert  for  his  men. 
Well  might  Greene  think  for  us  the  battle  won, 
So  well  that  day  had  Maryland  dared  and  done. 

Meanwhile,  O'Hara's  Guards  and  Grenadiers 
Charged  to  the  left  the  Second  Maryland, 
Composed  in  part  of  recent  volunteers, 
Who  near  the  Court  House  on  the  left  wing  stand. 
Soon  ovenvhelmed  in  combat  hand  to  hand, 
The  guns  committed  to  their  charge  were  lost; 
The  Guards,  unseen,  had  almost  reached  their  rear, 


Crowding  the  Americans,  when  Webster  near, 
His  men  refreshed,  the  ravine  recrossed, 
Stood  firm  till  other  regiments  appear 
Which  resistance  down  below  belates, 


SAVANNAH.  135 

As  he,  impatient  for  their  coming,  waits. 

The  Maryland  First  before  had  driven  him  back, 

Of  braver  temper,  warming  with  their  task, 

Wheeled  left,  and  with  their  bayonets  attack, 

Repulse,  and  slay' foes  that  no  quarter  ask; 

While  Washington's  horsemen  trampled  down  and 

slew 

All  that  still  dared  to  keep  the  open  ground. 
Stewart,  their  colonel,  and  many  scores 
Of  his  best  soldiers  bleeding  lay  around; 
The  guns,  retaken,  posted  on  a  knoll, 
Had  stopped  Cornwallis,  and  the  battle  won. 
Yet  in  the  medley,  who  could  all  control? 
By  slight  mischance  the  Americans  undone. 

Long  Campbell's  rifles,  Legion  under  Lee, 
Had  fought  the  Hessians  and  the  Seventy-first, 
Shooting  them  down  from  every  rock  and  tree,  — 
Those  that  resisted  suffering  the  most. 
Cornwallis,  hearing  this  incessant  fire, 
Sent  Tarleton  in  their  strait  to  lend  them  aid, 
As  Lee,  not  knowing  the  destruction  dire 
His  well-aimed  balls  of  his  opponents  made, 
Clearing  away  all  obstacles  between, 
Speeded  his  forces  on  to  strengthen  Greene. 
Thus  freed,  the  Twenty-third  and  Seventy-first, 


136  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Tarleton's  dragoons,  Cormvallis  with  his  guns, 
From  woods  below  into  the  open  burst, 
While  Webster  strikes,  his  former  foes  reversed. 
Not  even  then  brave  Greene  the  combat  shuns. 
He  still  fought  on,  till  two  full  hours  had  flown 
Since  first  this  well  contested  strife  began ; 
And  had  the  weakness  of  his  foe  been  known, 
Success  had  sealed  the  wisdom  of  his  plan. 
To  useless  bloodshed  his  kind  breast  averse, 
Prudence  persuaded  him  to  spare  his  troops, 
Whose  hope  of  triumph,  not  whose  courage  droops. 
His  cousin  Cristopher  covered  his  retreat 
To  rendezvous  assigned,  where  all  should  meet; 
Morgan  predicted,  should  the  militia  fight, 
Greene  would  come  off  the  conqueror  that  day ; 
If,  as  it  happened,  they  should  take  to  flight, 
Be  cut  to  pieces ;  but  they  marched  away. 

Our  dwindling  ranks,  unpaid,  unclad,  unfed, 
Resources  wasting,  and  no  credit  left; 
Children  and  wives  a-clamor  for  their  bread, 
Our  shams  for  gold,  of  all  their  work  bereft; 
Allies  at  Newport  under  gtrict  blockade; 
The  timid  wavering,  armies  mutinied, 
Traitors  for  pelf  our  fortresses  betrayed ; 
But  slight  the  hope  our  country  would  be  freed, 


SAVANNAH.  137 

While  thus  the  lukewarm  freedom's  cause  desert. 

Henry  Laurens,  a  prisoner  in  the  tower, 

Congress,  the  doom  that  menaced  to  avert, 

Besought  King  Louis  to  exert  his  power, 

Deputing  John  Laurens,  wise,  generous,  brave, 

With  every  gift  and  trait  ennoble  man, 

Who  late  had  but  escaped  a  soldier's  grave, 

Hit  at  Savannah,  charging  in  the  van, 

To  make  the  friendly  king  direct  appeal 

For  men  and  means,  and  to  adjust  a  plan 

To  such  conditions  as  events  reveal. 

Franklin,  Vergennes,  when  heard  his  purpose  bold, 

Doubts  of  its  prudence  could  but  ill  conceal; 

Still  in  fit  phrase  the  youth  his  story  told, 

Placing  in  royal  hand  the  missive  sent. 

His  gallant  mien  fresh  force  the  suppliance  lent; 

And  as  with  courtly  grace  his  knee  he  bent, 

His  doughty  deeds  his   ather's  perils  plead. 

Called  by  the  monarch  round  his  council  board, 

The  various  obstacles  and  chances  scanned, 

Before  the  winter  gone,  with  one  accord 

These  noblemen  the  coming  campaign  planned ; 

Louis,  whose  millions  generously  bestowed 

For  our  enfranchisement  cost  him  life  and  crown, 

Laurens,  whose  breast  with  patriot  fervor  glowed, 

Franklin,  from  heaven  drew  the  lightning  down, 


138  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Vergennes,  sagacious,  who  could  not  forget 

The  widespread  realms  Albion  had  wrenched  from 

France, 

Decide  how  best  Cornwallis  be  beset, 
Ensnared,  and  captured,  with  prophetic  glance. 
What  they  conclude,  in  secret  cipher  sent, 
With  the  May  blossoms  camp  and  Congress  reach  ; 
And  Louis  wrote  how,  by  reverses  bent, 
England  had  sued  for  terms  reverses  teach. 
He  urged  the  Congress  every  effort  make 
That  they  might  with  the  more  advantage  treat, 
Promising  France  would  every  measure  take 
For  independence,  guard  against  defeat. 
He  promised  gold  and  ships  and  rich  supplies 
To  pay  and  arm  our  soldiers  in  the  field ; 
From  southern  seas  De  Grasse  the  foe  surprise 
With  ample  troops  to  force  Cornwallis  yield. 

CAMDEN,  April  5,   1781. 

While  the  victorious  Earl,  in  bitter  grief, 

One-fourth  his  army  slain,  or  wounded,  lay, 

Reposed  his  stricken  host  for  respite  brief, 

Then  by  slow  marches  plodded  on  his  way 

In  search  of  Phillips,  sent  to  his  relief, 

His  active  rival  south  to  Camden  sped 

To  strike  at  Rawdon,  block  his  progress  north, 


SAVANNAH.  139 

Impede  his  march  to  Charleston  if  he  fled, 

Should  fortune  favor,  draw  his  army  forth, 

Cripple,  if  not  subdue,  the  force  he  led. 

To  effect  these  objects,  Marion  sent  out, 

Captured  Fort  Watson  with  his  crib  of  sand, 

Seized  on  the  passes  all  along  the  route, 

Cut  Watson  off,  who,  quitting  his  redoubt, 

Led  reinforcements  to  his  chiefs  command. 

Rawdon's  own  army,  but  a  thousand  strong, 

Were  well  compacted,  vigorous  and  bold ; 

His  dauntless  spirit  which  no  odds  appall, 

He  gains  the  forest,  pounces  on  the  fold. 

His  onslaught,  Morgan,  Benson,  Kirkwood,  held  at 

bay, 
While    Greene    with    promptness    marshalled    his 

array, 

Huger  his  right,  Williams  the  left  with  Ford ; 
Guns  placed  between  the  surer  havoc  make 
On  triple  ranks  than  musketry  or  sword. 

The  foe  consists  of  Campbell's  Sixty-third, 
In  Newport's  by-ways  met  such  heavy  loss ; 
Americans  who  foreign  yoke  preferred 
To  sharing  with  their  country  freedom's  cross ; 
Behind  them  marched  the  Irish  volunteers 
To  bind  us  to  the  thraldom,  ground  their  own ; 


140  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Then  Carolinians  with  their  hopes  and  fears ; 
Dragoons,  to  whom  such  weakness  all  unknown. 

Rawdon,  in  order  to  extend  his  van, 

Called  up  his  troops  in  rear  to  both  his  flanks ; 

Greene  takes  advantage  of  this  change  of  plan 

To  charge  upon  them  while  confused  their  ranks. 

This  led  to  some  disorder  in  his  lines ; 

And  many  fell,  both  officers  and  men. 

Before  he  could  reorganize  again, 

The  able  Campbell  his  best  course  divines, 

Sweeps  up  the  hill  with  his  well  ordered  force, 

Pierces  the  weakened  centre,  takes  the  guns, 

And  gains  the  crest  with  infantry  and  horse. 

Greene  quickly  sees  all  farther  effort  vain 

Recover  ground  thus  lost;  the  slaughter  ends. 

Washington  sent  to  strike  the  foe  in  rear, 

At  Logtown  posted,  covers  the  retreat ; 

If  the  pursuers  follow  up  too  near, 

His  fearless  charges  their  attempts  defeat. 

Both  sides  lost  heavily — each  one-fourth  its  men- 

Before  the  combatants  their  camps  regain. 

Arnold,  the  venal,  as  the  year  began, 
With  sixteen  hundred  Scotch  and  loyalists 
Raided  Virginia,  Richmond  sacked  and  burned, 


SA  VANNAH. 


141 


And  had  not  Jefferson  thwarted  all  his  plans, 
Experienced  Steuben  forced  him  to  desist, 
Had  carried  off  the  spoils  ignobly  earned. 
Lafayette,  despatched  by  Washington, 
With  force  too  scant  to  conquer  in  the  field, 
Prevented  yet  what  greater  mischief  done. 
Arnold,  with  no  solace  for  his  sore, 
Which  neither  British  rank  nor  money  healed, 
Disgrace  no  stronghold  strong  enough  to  shield 
The  penalty,  like  that  which  Judas  bore, 
Tidings  in  May  of  Phillips  close  at  hand 
With  ample  succor  to  Cornwallis,  cheers  ; 
But  Phillips  dying,  Arnold  took  command, 
And  for  ten  days,  until  the  Earl  appear, 
Has  under  him,  near  by,  four  thousand  men. 
His  brief  authority  surrendered  then, 
He  hastened  north  to  raid  his  native  State, 
Thus  forfeiting  all  pity  for  his  fate. 

Muhlenberg,  Steuben,  Lafayette,  and  Wayne  — 
Illustrious  names  nor  time  nor  envy  blur  — 
From  British  rule  the  Old  Dominion  wrenched, 
Rallying  the  farmers  with  fit  words  that  stir. 
With  force  inferior,  oft  advantage  gain, 
And  if  the  land  with  little  bloodshed  drenched, 
Arnold  and  Phillips  easily  repressed 


142  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

By  march  and  counter-march  and  false  alarm, 
Tarleton,  alert,  in  peril  never  sleeps; 
Baffled,  perplexed,  pursuing  phantoms  vain, 
His  bold  dragoons  over  the  country  sweeps, 
Though  all  his  efforts  powerless  to  harm. 
Even  Cornwallis,  ever  wise  and  calm, 
At  last  disheartened,  thoughtful  of  his  men, 
Weary  and  worn,  by  scorching  heats  oppressed, 
Yorktown  and  Gloucester  chosen  for  their  rest, 
With  deep  forebodings  lest  no  succor  coxie 
From  Clinton,  or  expected  ships  from  home, 
He  bides  what  time  may  bring  with  anxious  breast. 

EUTAW  SPRINGS,  September  8,  1781. 

In  tropic  heats,  in  desultory  war, 
Sumter  and  Marion,  Horry,  Hampton,  Lee, 
Close  up  the  gates  of  Charleston  near  and  far, 
The  region  round  about  from  thraldom  free. 
Greene,  on  the  Sand  Hills  in  supreme  command, 
Watched  for  his  chance  to  inflict  some  telling  blow. 
The  sea  breeze  fanned  to  health  his  little  band. 
Friends  kept  advised  of  what  behooved  to  know. 
When  crops  were  harvested,  his  force  grew  strong, 
Pickens  and  Marion,  summoned,  came  in  aid. 
He  knew  that  Stewart,  after  waiting  long 
At  Orange  for  supplies,  mishap  delayed, 


SAVANNAH.  143 

As  his  famished  army  ill  could  spare 

Sufficient  detail  guard  against  maraud, 

Moved  on  himself  to  meet  them,  lest  some  snare 

Should  block  their  progress  with  such  foes  abroad. 

Learning  that  Greene  approached  with  this  intent, 

He  drew  his  army  back  to  Eutaw  Springs, 

Scouts  to  observe  the  hostile  movements  sent, 

Chosen  his  ground,  and  bides  what  fortune  brings; 

Resolved  not  to  attack,  but  to  resist, 

Majoribanks  posts  in  thickets  on  his  right, 

The  Irish  Buffs  and  Cruger's  royalists, 

The  Sixty-third  and  fourth  and  Coffin's  horse. 

Two  thousand  men  stood  ready  for  the  fight, 

Should  their  assailants  bring  superior  force. 

An  ancient  mansion  served  them  for  a  fort, 

Its  garden  fenced  by  lofty  palisade ; 

To  render  this  impregnable  they  sought, 

Should  aught  disastrous  need  such  sheltering  aid. 

Greene's  force  from  lack  of  discipline  was  weak ; 
In  guns  and  muskets  it  was  weaker  yet. 
And  soldiers,  sorely  pressed,  will  safety  seek, 
Who  never  in  the  field  have  foemen  met. 
Pickens  and  Marion  command  his  wings ; 
Between,  were  levies  from  the  State  at  large ; 
Behind,  three  small  brigades  of  higher  rank 


144  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Sumner  and  Campbell,  Williams,  have  in  charge. 
Washington,  Kirkwood,  with  reserve  in  rear, 
And  Lee  and  Henderson  on  either  flank, 
Deployed  in  line,  as  they  came  marching  near. 
In  the  advance  a  pioneer  descried 
Some  seven-score  men  on  foraging  intent,  — 
These  and  the  foragers  Greene's  lawful  prize, 
As  also  forty  troopers  scouting  sent. 

At  nine,  the  armies  for  the  fray  opposed, 
The  artillery  its  booming  thunders  sounds ; 
The  British  troops  of  their  best  men  composed. 
Greene's  line,  unflinching,  bold  beyond  its  wont, 
Fired  on  their  opponents  some  twenty  rounds, 
Who  not  for  that  their  vigorous  efforts  slack ; 
When  Greene's  weak  centre  in  the  pressure  break, 
Reserves  with  promptitude  position  take, 
With  bayonets  drive  the  British  left  wing  back. 
Scattered,  disheartened,  they  safe  shelter  find 
In  the  brick  mansion  strongly  fortified, 
While  Stewart  his  disordered  ranks  aligned, 
Withdrawn  to  grounds  that  lay  his  camps  behind, 
Enhungered  farmers  to  their  danger  blind 
Plunder  and  revel  with  a  wolfish  pride. 
His  men  were  by  success  demoralized, 
By  such  unseemly  conduct  vexed,  surprised  ; 


SAVANNAH.  145 

And  Washington,  captured  by  Majoribanks  in  the 

wood, 

Seeing  his  soldiers  slaughtered  where  they  stood, 
Greene  gathered  up  his  troops  as  best  he  could, 
And  led  them  back  till  far  enough  beyond 
The  turmoil  of  such  stricken  battle-field. 

If  that  day's  work  no  signal  triumph  yield, 

The  loss  inflicted  was  twice  that  sustained. 

To  Greene's  great  soul,  to  his  established  fame 

Mattered  but  little  battles  lost  or  gained ; 

The  work  he  had  to  do  was  ably  done. 

A  few  weeks  later,  when  his  force  regained 

The  post  upon  the  Sand  Hills,  his  to  know 

Cornwallis  and  the  fleet  had  been  constrained 

To  yield  to  Washington  and  Rochambeau. 

Charleston  a  British  garrison  remained 

For  months  too  strong  to  take,  nor  cause  for  blame ; 

Not  his  to  waste  a  life  by  needless  blow. 


10 


CANTO  VIII. 

SURRENDER. 

T    IVES  there  the  man  unwilling  to  admit 

The  hand  of  Providence  in  every  hour  ; 
Who  doth  not  to  its  sovereign  will  commit 
Our  human  life  to  His  superior  power? 
If  all  the  stars  that  in  their  orbits  roll, 
By  Him  created,  in  His  guiding  care 
Speed  on  their  way,  in  His  divine  control, 
Why  should  not  nations  in  its  mercy  share? 
If  so  designed,  why  not  co-operate? 
To  effect  its  purposes,  events  seem  strange. 
We  cannot  tell  what  influences  work, 
What  gracious  motives  may  in  secret  lurk, 
The  future  destiny  of  our  race  to  change. 
Issues  of  battle  much  on  chance  depend; 
The  course  of  campaign  's  oft  involved  in  doubt. 
The  fickle  winds  and  various  causes  send 
Defeat  or  triumph,  not  for  us  find  out; 
Inscrutable  to  us,  should  His  love  ordain 
What  in  its  wisdom  is  for  us  the  best, 


SURRENDER.  147 

For  races,  nations,  whether  loss  or  gain. 
How  can  we  question  the  divine  behest 
Allured  Cornwallis  to  the  fatal  trap, 
The  fetters  of  colonial  bondage  snap? 

In  blustering  March,  the  king  in  council  sate; 

And  by  his  side  Vergennes,  Franklin,  Laurens, 

How  best  to  end  the  war  deliberate 

With  pondering  brows  and  ever  thoughtful  pens. 

Laurens,  sore  crippled  in  Savannah's  fight, 

Wearing  his  shattered  arm  still  in  his  sling, — 

Of  French  descent,  his  sires  Huguenot, 

A  gallant  soldier,  without  blemish,  blot,  — 

With  D'Estaing  fought  for  their  country's  right, 

Won  the  affection  of  the  generous  king. 

With  growing  pride  in  their  assured  success, 

No  thoughts  of  prudence  wise  Vergennes  depress  ; 

Encouraged  by  tidings  recent  letters  bring, 

Their  sanguine  expectations  all  express. 

The   French  at  Newport  with  their  strengthened 

fleet, 

Clinton's  appeals  for  instant  aid  from  home ; 
Perplexed  how  compass  Cornwallis'  retreat, 
Protect  his  scattered  armies  from  defeat, 
Impatient  waits  for  what  events  may  come, 
Eager  to  purchase  sure  intelligence. 


148  SIEGE  OF  NEWPORT. 

His  shrewd  antagonists  baffle  all  his  schemes, 
And  much  more  honest,  have  sufficient  sense 
To  set  at  nought  all  his  ambitious  dreams. 

As  the  May-flowers  denote  the  coming  spring, 
To  Congress  brought  the  answer  of  the  king, 
His  promised  millions  and  concerted  plan; 
De  Grasse  to  come  with  every  ship  and  man 
From  southern  seas ;  and  when  occasion  rife, 
Moment  auspicious  to  conclude  the  strife, 
The  enemy  make  overtures  for  peace,  — 
Russia  and  Austria  had  of  late  proposed, 
If  so  desired,  terms  to  arbitrate. 
Should,  at  that  time,  Americans  be  strong 
When  the  agreements  for  the  peace  be  closed, 
Claim  all  the  continent  to  them  belong, 
To  keep  their  independence  as  a  State, 
He  earnestly  besought  them  not  forego 
Any  exertions  that  will  help  their  cause, 
And  should  the  chances  come  to  strike  the  blow, 
Be  sure  to  conquer  with  the  world's  applause. 
The  thirty  members,  then,  were  all  composed 
The  government  of  our  extended  realm, 
Greeted  the  royal  missive  with  acclaim ; 
Their  grateful  hearts  with  warmest  fervor  glow 
To  Louis,  from  whose  grace  such  blessings  flow. 


SURRENDER.  149 

On  the  committee  raised  to  end  the  war 
Served  Sullivan,  at  Newport  in  command, 
Who  in  December  moved  to  make  the  appeal 
To  the  French  king  to  aid  us  in  our  strait; 
As  sole  committee  sent  Laurens  to  France, 
Prompted  by  Providence  and  not  by  fate. 
No  pains  were  spared  to  carry  out  behests 
So  kindly  counselled  by  the  gracious  king, 
To  make  the  preparations  he  requests, 
The  dire  confusion  into  order  bring. 
The  fam'd  Ithuriel  with  his  magic  spear 
Revived  our  credit,  filled  each  shrunk  brigade ; 
And  long  before  the  fleets  of  France  appear, 
We  ready  stood  in  all  our  strength  arrayed 

We  left  Cornwallis  hemmed  around  by  foes, 
By  seas  environed,  pent  up  hard  and  fast; 
His  eager  eyes  scanned  wearily  the  capes 
With  hope  some  friendly  fleet  appear  at  last 
His  sorry  plight  went  whispering  on  the  breeze ; 
It  reached  Washington  and  Rochambeau, 
Who,  near  the  Hudson,  from  amidst  the  trees 
Watch  for  a  chance  to  make  New  York  their  own. 
Or,  should  De  Grasse,  as  then  expected,  come 
With  his  strong  fleet,  be  hovering  on  the  coast, 
Or  any  British  squadron  sent  from  home, 


150  SIEGE  OF  NEWPORT. 

On  the  alert,  no  precious  moment  lost. 
Now  quick  to  know  the  longed-for  fleet  was  near, 
Their  change  of  purpose  in  their  camp  unknown, 
Pretending  there  they  meant  to  strike  the  blow, 
Around  its  works  they  wend  their  way  with  care, 
And  ere  the  foes  suspect  had  melted  in  the  air, 
Speeding  away  three  hundred  miles  below, 
To  where  the  Earl  remained  in  anxious  doubt. 
No  time  was  wasted;   soon  beleaguering  stood 
Full  sixteen  thousand  men  around  the  place, 
With  half  that  number  in  the  garrison. 
From  out  the  bay  De  Grasse  all  cruisers  chase 
In  partial  combats;  the  victory  won, 
Approaches  led  against  the  British  lines, 
Dismount  their   guns,   and  burrow  through  their 

mines. 

The  works  protecting,  little  blood  was  shed. 
In  reconnoitring,  noble  Scammell  fell,  — 
Sullivan's  loved  pupil,  both  in  law  and  war. 
His  wound  was  mortal,  and  he  fought  no  more; 
His  deeds  immortal,  generations  tell. 
When  all  prepared  to  storm  the  bastions 
That  block  the  way  with  well-directed  guns, 
To  capture  one,  to  Lafayette  assigned 
With  Laurens  and  Gimet  and  Hamilton; 
Another  to  Viomenil,  Deux-ponts. 


SURRENDER.  1 5  I 

Both  parties  scaled  the  ramparts  as  designed. 
Gimet  fell  lifeless,  entering  the  fort; 
Barber,  who  led  the  American  support, 
The  cannon  spiked,  reduced  the  garrison. 

The  Grenadiers  in  Rochambeau's  command 

In  times  remote  had  earned  themselves  the  name, 

"  Auvergne  sans  tache,"  by  some  misfortune  lost. 

He  promised  them  if  they  retrieved  their  fame 

By  doing  well  that  night,  he  would  demand 

Of  their  good  king  their  name  should  be  restored; 

They  did  their  duty  at  but  little  cost, 

King  Louis  did  not  wait  to  be  implored. 

His  guns  all  silenced,  and  no  succor  near, 

By  wounds  or  capture  lost  five  hundred  men, 

Life  to  his  officers  and  soldiers  dear, 

Cornwallis  knows  to  struggle  longer  vain ; 

To  fly  or  yield,  alternatives  remain. 

The  council  summoned,  for  their  flight  prepared 

To  seek  the  south  at  night,  the  waters  cross. 

Part  wend  their  way,  but  soon  the  lightnings  glare, 

Rain  in  torrents   fell,  waves  on  waves  in  tempest 

toss. 

On  waves  so  troubled,  but  poorly  fare 
The  crowded  boats  when  they  the  passage  dare ; 
Their  flight  thus  hopeless,  laws  of  war  compel 


1 5  2  SIE  GE   OF  NE  WPOR  T. 

Accept  the  terms  prescribed  the  year  before 
To  the  Americans  when  Charleston  fell. 


The  terms  at  Charleston,  harsher  far  than  now, 
Cornwallis'  cheek  with  the  remembrance  burns ; 
The  poisoned  chalice  to  the  lip  that  sent, 
A  bitter  yet  a  wholesome  draught  returns. 
Adversity  his  haughty  spirit  bent; 
Saddened  and  sore  he  cared  not  to  appear, 
Pleading  indisposition  for  excuse. 
He  bids  O'Hara  render  up  his  sword, 
Which  Washington  and  Rochambcau  refuse, 
Pointing  to  Lincoln,  who,  in  saddle  near, 
Received  with  courtesy,  and  then  restored. 
Eight  thousand  prisoners  with  ship  and  gun 
Fall  to  the  victors,  and  thus  ends  the  war. 
For  though  eight  years  elapsed  since  Lexington, 
Before  the  treaty  signed  that  brought  us  peace, 
With  freedom,  independence  from  the  yoke, 
That  glorious  day  colonial  fetters  broke. 
If  in  Laurens  war  claimed  one  victim  more, 
The  clash  of  arms,  fraternal  slaughters  cease ; 
A  nation  battle-born  to  life  awoke, 
And  raised  in  peace  its  banner  to  the  breeze. 


CENTENNIAL. 

blood-bought  freedom  tested  by  the  strain 
Of  five-score  years  of  weakness  and  of  strife, 
When  party  rage  had  spent  its  force  in  vain, 
A  war  of  sections  but  renewed  its  life; 
Our  people,  taught  what  freedom  signified, 
Paid  grateful  homage  to  illustrious  sires, 
Renounced  allegiance  to  a  despot  prince, 
Ventured  what  held  most  dear,  for  country  died, 
With  the  fierce  ardor  liberty  inspires 
Regained  their  rights,  our  precious  heirloom  since. 

For  eight  long  years  continued  jubilee, 
As  each  centennial  builds  its  sacred  shrine, 
For  priceless  privilege  of  being  free, 
Their  votive  offerings,  not  of  corn  or  wine, 
But  hearts  devout  to  that  great  Source  divine 
Whence  comes  what  renders  life  a  boon  to  be. 
We  visited  the  halls  where  freedom  born, 
Rocked  in  its  cradle,  reared  to  manhood's  strength 
In  many  tribulations,  oft  forlorn, 
Drove  out  the  tyrant  myrmidons  at  length. 


154  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Its  battles  we  fought  over,  lost  or  won, 

Not  the  less  glorious,  ending  in  defeat, 

Sure  no  disgrace,  for  they  their  best  had  done, 

Ever  victorious  when  they  equals  meet; 

Neither  despondent  when  reverses  came, 

Nor  yet  elate,  though  triumph  gild  their  name. 

The  glorious  aim  for  which  they  strike  the  blow, 

Mankind  set  free,  through  all  the  ages'  flow. 

When  Rhoda's  turn,   one-half  the  epoch  passed, 
Her  well-fought  battle  to  commemorate, 
To  her  chief  city  flocked  a  concourse  vast 
Of  hearts  aglow  from  every  neighboring  State, 
With  men  renowned  from  recent  battle-field, 
Or  won  their  spurs  in  the  pursuits  of  peace. 
The  bar  and  bench  and  senate-chamber  yield 
Their  best  and  noblest;   historic  men  increase 
The  brilliant  throng,  and  they  that  history  write. 
How  many  since  that  day  by  their  decease 
By  deed  or  word  have  left  their  record  bright ! 
Arnold  and  Allen,  Damon  ever  dear, 
Burnside,  at  Petersburg  who  led  the  charge, 
Beloved  by  all,  have  closed  their  earth's  career, 
Who  then,  untrembling,  stood  upon  its  marge. 

With  one  who  bore  his  honored  grandsire's  name, 
Commander  in  the  fight,  the  century  gone, 


CENTENNIAL.  I  5  5 

We  joined  the  group  of  men  well-known  to  fame, 
Welcomed  by  those  who  well  their  work  had  done. 
With  all  the  pomp  and  pageantry  of  war, 
With  festal  cannon  and  with  martial  air, 
The  long  parade  its  floating  banners  bore 
'Neath  floral  arches  and  'mid  maidens  fair; 
Down  the  broad  stream  the  thronged  vessels  glide, 
Their  pennons  streaming  in  the  vernal  sun, 
While  merry  thousands  lining  either  side 
Greet  their  approach  with  jocund  cheer  or  gun. 

We  disembarked  upon  Aquidneck's  strand, 
From  Bristol  Ferry  marched  to  Butts's  crest, 
And    gathering   round    its    mouldering   ramparts, 

scanned 

The  spreading  waters  and  that  narrow  land 
So  long  ago  by  hostile  thousands  pressed. 
The  woods  had  gone,  and  shrunken  brooks  were 

dry; 
The  clustering  hills    stood   fast,  once    stained    by 

gore; 

Few  were  the  habitations  met  the  eye, 
And  Anthony's  no  mark  of  battle  bore. 
Some  aged  neighbors  designate  each  spot 
Where  all  the    changes  of  the  fight  were  fought ; 
Yet  how  much  more,  throughout  all  time  forgot, 


156  SIEGE   OF  NEWPORT. 

Tradition  might  have  told,  in  season  sought. 
Not  far  from  where  that  vigorous  bayonet  charge 
Drove  back  the  routed  foemen  from  the  ground, 
Stretched  banquet  hall  beneath  whose  canvas  large 
File  in  the  illustrious  throng,  as  loud  resound 
A  salvo  of  artillery  to  the  day; 
The  first,  perhaps,  that  woke  the  echoes  round 
Since  the  hill  shook  beneath  their  hungry  roar, 
Since  that  dark  night,  a  hundred  years  before, 
Sullivan  with  his  army  crossed  the  bay. 

As  the  last  echo  slowly  died  away, 
The  chaplain,  fittingly,  his  task  performs; 
Arnold,  the  State's  historian,  eloquent, 
In  glowing  words  recalls  the  faded  forms, 
The  din  of  battle,  and  the  desperate  strife. 
And  as  his  stirring  periods  filled  the  tent, 
The  long-passed  scene  came  thrillingly  to  life. 
Embattled  armies  on  the  hills  opposed, 
The  serried  masses,  as  the  foes  descend, 
Their  fierce  encounter  as  in  combat  closed ; 
Guns  shake  the  earth,  the  azure  welkin  rend, 
Their  missiles,  hurtling,  through  battalions  tore ; 
Incessant  musketry  too  near  to  err, 
Wounded  and  dead  that  to  the  rear  they  bore. 
The  charge  retreat,  the  volley,  and  the  stir 


CENTENNIAL.  157 

Of  near  ten  thousand  in  that  pent-up  vale; 
Unflinching,  fearless,  prodigal  of  blood, 
Each  breast  all  eager  that  his  side  prevail, 
The  long-drawn  lines  that  patient,  steadfast  stood, 
No  lip  that  quivered,  and  no  cheek  that  blenched 
As  venal  Hessian,  and  the  freedmen  true, 
Briton,  who  would  our  liberties  have  wrenched, 
And  all  the  world  to  his  harsh  rule  subdue; 
Patriots,  resolved  no  more  in  suppliance  sue 
To  haughty  king,  or  bear  his  hated  yoke, 
Upon  that  field  of  carnage  wrapt  in  smoke, 
Lay  down  to  life's  last  sleep,  content  to  know 
Who   would  be  free,  themselves    must   strike    the 

blow. 

And  as  the  orator  in  clarion  tones 
From  Proctor's  verse  Ravenna's  fight  rehearsed,  — 
The  shout  of  triumph  and  the  dying  groans 
As  Wellington  Napoleon's  host  dispersed,  — 
Each  glistening  eye,  each  swelling  breast,  reveal 
The  soul  that  stirred  our  fathers'  still  aglow; 
And  should  endangered  liberty  appeal, 
The  blood  of  patriots  would  as  freely  flow. 

.    THE  END. 


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